Earthquake Assistance Tops $600,000
Release Date: May 28, 2002
Release Number: 1415-04
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Albany, NY -- Federal and state disaster assistance to those affected by the April 20 Ausable Forks earthquake in Essex and Clinton counties has reached more than $600,000, according to Federal Coordinating Officer Marianne C. Jackson of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Following is a summary of the ongoing state/federal recovery programs to date:
- Since President Bush declared a major disaster on May 16, 2002, 632 individuals have registered for assistance through FEMA's toll-free registration line.
- More than $569,000 in FEMA disaster housing assistance has been approved. Of that, $442,140 already has been distributed to applicants. For those who cannot or should not live in their disaster-damaged principal residence, FEMA may provide rental assistance to renters and rental assistance or minimal repair grants to homeowners.
- The U.S Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved $42,300 in low-interest disaster loans. SBA loans are the major source of funds to help repair or replace disaster losses or damages. Renters, homeowners, businesses of all sizes and non-profit organizations may be eligible for a loan.
- More than 100 applicants have been referred to the state-run Individual and Family Grant (IFG) Program. IFG grants are provided to those found ineligible for SBA loans. The grants are for necessary and serious needs not met by other assistance. The IFG grants may help with small home repairs, replacing lost personal possessions, transportation, dental and funeral expenses.
"Grants and loans to help with recovery are reaching people who had property damage to their homes or businesses," said State Coordinating Officer Edward F. Jacoby, Jr. of the State Emergency Management Office (SEMO). "We urge anyone with disaster-related damage or suspected hidden damage who has not yet registered for help to call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY)."
"People can always call FEMA's toll-free HELPLINE at 1-800-525-0321 after they have registered," FCO Jackson noted. "They can also visit a Disaster Recovery Center to meet face-to-face with disaster experts if they choose."
The Disaster Recovery Centers are scheduled as follows:
| Essex County | Clinton County |
| Town of Jay Community Center 24 School Street Ausable Forks, New York |
Town of Ausable Town Office Bldg. 111 Ausable Street Keeseville, New York |
| Ausable Forks Center Hours: Wed, May 29 Noon - 6 p.m. Thurs, May 30 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.* Fri, May 31 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sat, June 1 9 a.m. - Noon |
Keeseville Center Hours: Mon, June 3 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Tues, June 4 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.* Wed, June 5 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. |
*Note extended evening hours
Last Modified: Wednesday, 20-Aug-2003 10:37:51