West Virginians Receive More Than $32.3 Million In FEMA/State Disaster Assistance After May Storms
Release Date: August 12, 2004
Release Number: 1522-112
» 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, received more than $32.3 million in assistance. On the last day to apply for help, Friday, August 6, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) processed 108 applications. The accounting for disaster assistance was made at close of business on August 10.
FEMA received 8919 applications from residents affected by the storms. Housing Assistance for homeowners and renters totaled $14.0 million. Housing Assistance included lodging expenses, repair assistance and temporary rental assistance. Other Needs Assistance reached $3.5 million. Other Needs Assistance may include medical, dental, and funeral expenses; furniture, clothing and certain appliances; vehicle costs; and other eligible expenses.
Although the application period has closed, residents who have questions can call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362 (FEMA) or TTY 1-800-462-7585. Calls are received between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Close to $6.6 million in federal funds and $2.1 million (25% share) in state funds brought the total of eligible Public Assistance funding to $8.7 million. This means local governments in 12 disaster-designated counties applied for federal assistance for debris removal; emergency protective measures; and repairing, restoring, or replacing damaged public facilities. Disaster assistance is also 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 in low interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters and business owners.
The breakdown of applications, Housing and Other Needs Assistance by county follows:
| County | Applications | Housing Assistance | Other Needs Assistance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boone | 31 | $54,3223 | $2,272 |
| Braxton | 105 | $131,544 | $15,347 |
| Cabell | 65 | $60,205 | $29,915 |
| Calhoun | 30 | $43,088 | 0 |
| Clay | 80 | $90,016 | $5,435 |
| Fayette | 168 | $170,485 | $9,384 |
| Gilmer | 17 | $19.143 | 0 |
| Jackson | 59 | $86,320 | $2,950 |
| Kanawha | 575 | $658,744 | $206,059 |
| Lewis | 11 | $5,626 | 339 |
| Lincoln | 94 | $135,140 | $3,990 |
| Logan | 1,264 | $1,693,780 | $809,465 |
| Mason | 40 | $78,252 | $4,155 |
| McDowell | 395 | $398,185 | $75,906 |
| Mercer | 959 | $757,834 | $164,278 |
| Mingo | 3,139 | $6,449,696 | $1,780,020 |
| Nicholas | 37 | $47,697 | 0 |
| Putnam | 111 | $152,480 | $13,322 |
| Raleigh | 626 | $959,375 | $123,293 |
| Roane | 72 | $160,598 | $29,918 |
| Wayne | 129 | $239,009 | $9,891 |
| Webster | 24 | $36,262 | 0 |
| Wirt | 7 | $4,928 | 0 |
| Wyoming | 881 | $1,639,309 | $186,607 |
| Totals as of 08/11/04 | 8,919 | $14 million | $3.4 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.
More than 300 West Virginia families who were made homeless by the flooding and landslides are in travel trailers or mobile homes. Three mobile home group sites are located in hard-hit Mingo County, and groundbreaking for a fourth site takes place on Friday, August 13. Travel trailers and mobile homes are provided as temporary housing until disaster victims can repair their homes or permanent housing is found. If FEMA determines additional sites are needed for disaster survivors, they will be developed.
Counseling will continue to be available for West Virginians suffering from disaster-related pressure, worry or strain. Any resident 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: Thursday, 12-Aug-2004 10:26:08