Disaster Recovery Center Remains Open Thru Saturday; More Than $300,000 in Disaster Assistance Distributed in Kentucky
Release Date: January 21, 2000
Release Number: 1310-20
» More Information on Kentucky Tornadoes, Severe Storms, Torrential Rains And Flash Flooding
OWENSBORO, Ky. -- State and federal disaster officials announce today that the Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in the basement of the Daviess County Courthouse will remain open until Saturday to provide assistance to disaster victims.
Some of the almost 200 tornado victims, who attended yesterday town meeting in Owensboro, expressed an interest in visiting the center to sit down and talk face-to-face with recovery specialists. More than 80 applicants have already visited the center, since it opened last week.
The center will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. Representatives from state and federal agencies, including SBA loan officers, will be available to provide information, answer questions about assistance programs, provide assistance with loan applications, and discuss ways to reduce future disaster damages.
The center is open to everyone. But to be eligible for state and federal disaster assistance, individuals must have suffered losses in one of the six designated counties. Victims are urged to start the application process by calling 1-800-462-9029. Those with hearing or speech impairments may call TTY 1-800-462-7585 to apply. Both numbers will continue to be available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week until further notice.
In spite of the weather this weekend, almost 40 applicants visited a special one-day DRC that was set-up in Crayne on Saturday at the Calvary Baptist Church.
More than $300,000 in grants and low-interest loans have already been distributed to some of the almost 1,000 tornado and flash flooding victims in Western Kentucky who have applied for disaster assistance.
One hundred and sixty applicants have already received $135,132 in disaster housing grants. These tax-free funds provide temporary housing or emergency home repairs to make the residence livable and secure. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has also approved low-interest loans for seven homeowners, totaling $187,600.
"In many cases, this will just be the initial financial assistance that applicants will receive," said W.R. Padgett, Director of Kentucky Emergency Management (KyEM). "Even if you had insurance, you may find that the policy won't cover all your losses and you may be eligible for disaster assistance."
| County Grants | Applications | Housing Claims Approved | Housing Grants Distributed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crittenden | 64 | 8 | $17,962 |
| Daviess | 858 | 145 | $103,840 |
| Hopkins | 22 | 0 | 0 |
| Webster | 22 | 7 | $13,330 |
Note: All figures listed above are as of close of business January 23. A county breakdown of SBA low-interest loans was not available at press time.
Two Counties Added
Residents and business owners located in Henderson and Hancock Counties, who had property losses as a result of the January 3-4, tornadoes and flash flooding, may be eligible for assistance. The counties were added today, bringing the total to six counties that are eligible for individual assistance.
Assistance can be in the form of grants, low-interest loans, rental assistance, veteran's benefits, tax refunds, disaster unemployment benefits and crisis counseling. You can apply for disaster assistance by calling the toll-free registration number, 1-800-462-9029. Those with speech or hearing impairments may call TTY 1-800-462-7585. The numbers are available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week, until further notice.
SBA - Don't Let the Name Fool You
Don't let the name fool you, SBA is the primary source of disaster recovery assistance for homeowners and renters, as well as business owners. More than 700 loan packets have been sent out to 621 individuals and 88 to business owners.
Last Modified: Friday, 14-Nov-2003 13:10:13