More Than $31.3 Million In Assistance Provided Disaster Survivors After The Memorial Day Storms
Release Date: August 7, 2004
Release Number: 1522-110
» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Flooding and Landslides
CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- West Virginia residents of the 24 counties designated under the June 7, 2004 disaster declaration resulting from the Memorial Day storms have received more than $31.3 million in assistance. On the last day to apply for assistance, Friday, August 6, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) received 108 calls. Residents who applied before the deadline will continue to be processed and those who have questions can still have them answered by calling the FEMA Helpline at 1-800 621-3362 (FEMA). Calls are received between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
The following are figures for the affected counties, provided by FEMA and the West Virginia Office of Emergency Services as of close of business, Friday, August 6.
Housing Assistance for homeowners and renters totaled $13.6 million. Housing Assistance may include lodging expenses, repair assistance and temporary rental assistance. Other Needs Assistance was $3.2 million. Other Needs Assistance may include medical, dental, and funeral expenses; furniture, clothing and certain appliances; vehicle costs; and other eligible expenses.
Close to $6.3 million in federal funds and $2.1 million (25 percent share) in state funds brings the total of eligible Public Assistance funding to $8.4 million. This means local governments in 12 disaster-designated counties have applied, and eligible funds have been obligated, for federal assistance for debris removal; emergency protective measures and repairing, restoring, or replacing damaged public facilities. Disaster assistance also may be provided to certain non-profit organizations that operate and maintain educational, utility, emergency, medical, custodial care and other essential government facilities.
The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved $6.1 million.
The breakdown of applications, Housing and Other Needs Assistance by county follows:
| County | Applications | Housing Assistance | Other Needs Assistance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boone | 31 | $54,323 | $777 |
| Braxton | 105 | $131,544 | $15,347 |
| Cabell | 65 | $90,120 | $29,915 |
| Calhoun | 30 | $43,088 | 0 |
| Clay | 80 | $90,016 | $5,435 |
| Fayette | 168 | $149,168 | $7,516 |
| Gilmer | 17 | $19,143 | 0 |
| Jackson | 59 | $86,320 | $2,950 |
| Kanawha | 573 | $624,155 | $186,456 |
| Lewis | 11 | $5,626 | 0 |
| Lincoln | 93 | $131,270 | $3,990 |
| Logan | 1,264 | $1,653,069 | $750,300 |
| Mason | 40 | $78,252 | $4,155 |
| McDowell | 393 | $395,974 | $59,995 |
| Mercer | 957 | $742,429 | $158,406 |
| Mingo | 3,126 | $6,254,568 | $1,709,751 |
| Nicholas | 37 | $41,833 | 0 |
| Putnam | 111 | $146,650 | $13,320 |
| Raleigh | 623 | $928,013 | $108,936 |
| Roane | 72 | $160,515 | $27,344 |
| Wayne | 128 | $183,530 | $7,088 |
| Webster | 24 | $36,262 | 0 |
| Wirt | 7 | $2,087 | 0 |
| Wyoming | 876 | $1,630,118 | $179,646 |
| Totals as of 08/06/04 | 8,927 | $13.6 million | $3.2 million |
The West Virginia Office of Emergency Services' and FEMA's Public Outreach Initiative to residents at home supply stores provided mitigation information to help them prepare for future storms. More than 5,500 persons took advantage of the program. Specialists from FEMA answered questions and gave out brochures.
To date, more than 300 West Virginia families who were made homeless by the flooding and landslides are in travel trailers or mobile homes. Ground has been broken for group mobile home sites in Taylorville and Varney in hard-hit Mingo County, and more group sites are planned. Travel trailers and mobile homes are temporary housing until disaster victims can repair their homes or permanent housing can be found.
Counseling continues to be available for West Virginians suffering from disaster-related pressure, worry or strain. Individuals may request counseling by calling 1-800-232-0020.
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: Monday, 09-Aug-2004 10:34:41