$6 Million In Disaster Assistance Approved For Alabama
Release Date: May 23, 2003
Release Number: 1466-06
» More Information on Alabama Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding
Birmingham, AL -- More than $6 million in disaster recovery grants and disaster loans has been approved for Alabamians who suffered losses because of the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding this month, according to figures from the Alabama Emergency Management Agency (AEMA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Federal, state, local and voluntary agencies are working in partnership to help Alabamians recover from the disaster declared May 12 by President Bush. This is an update of recovery activities as of close of business May 22.
- 2,953 individuals from the 32 designated counties have called to apply for assistance.
- 1,859 of 2,246 home inspections issued have been completed.
- 1,402 Housing Assistance grants have been approved, totaling $3,708,066.
- 459 Other Needs Assistance grants have been approved, totaling $2,202,196 -- these may include grants for medical, dental, personal property, transportation and other eligible expenses.
- 7 U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest disaster loans have been approved, totaling $98,600.
- 1,999 SBA low-interest disaster loan applications have been issued; 1,631 to homeowners and 368 to business owners.
- $98,119 in emergency shelter has been provided by the American Red Cross, which has served 30,373 meals and snacks and distributed 611 cleanup kits and 1,009 comfort kits.
- 99 Requests for Public Assistance have come from the 15 counties eligible for Public Assistance, the federal aid program that reimburses governmental entities and certain non-profit organizations for disaster-related damages.
Individuals in the 32 designated counties who suffered damage or loss to a home or business as a result of the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding beginning May 5 are encouraged to apply for assistance by calling toll-free 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Those with a speech or hearing impairment should call the TTY number, 1-800-462-7585. Both phone lines are open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 27-May-2003 11:37:53