Seven More Puerto Rico Municipalities Designated For Federal Aid 

Release Date: November 24, 2003
Release Number: HQ-03-243

» More Information on Puerto Rico Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, and Landslides

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today designated seven more Puerto Rico municipalities eligible for federal disaster aid to help homeowners, renters and businesses recover from the effects of severe storms, floods, mudslides and landslides that began on November 10.

Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response, said the assistance was approved based on the results of further federal and Commonwealth damage assessments. Nine municipalities were initially designated for aid to affected residents and business owners under the major disaster declaration issued by President Bush on November 21.

The seven additional eligible municipalities are Arroyo, Canóvanas, Fajardo, Loiza, Naguabo, Toa Baja and Yabucoa.

The municipalities previously designated for assistance were Guánica, Guayama, Juana Diaz, Maunabo, Patillas, Rio Grande, Salinas, Santa Isabel and Yauco.

The assistance can include grants to help pay for temporary housing, home repairs and other serious disaster-related expenses. Low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration also will be available to cover residential and business losses not fully compensated by insurance.

Affected residents and business owners in the designated municipalities can apply for assistance by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) , or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired . The toll-free telephone numbers will be available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.

On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 25-Nov-2003 13:13:07