Disaster Aid Ordered For Texas Tropical Storm Fay Recovery 

Release Date: September 26, 2002
Release Number: HQ-02-161

» More Information on Texas Tropical Storm Fay

Washington, D. C. -- Federal disaster aid was made available today to help families and businesses in nine Texas counties recover from the effects of Tropical Storm Fay, according to the head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

FEMA Director Joe M. Allbaugh said President Bush authorized the assistance under a major disaster declaration issued for the state this afternoon. The declaration covers damage to private property from flooding rains and a tornado spawned by Fay that began affecting the state's southeastern coastline on September 6.

Immediately after the President's action, Allbaugh designated the counties of Brazoria, Frio, Galveston, La Salle, Live Oak, Matagorda, Nueces, San Patricio and Wharton eligible for federal funding to supplement the recovery needs of affected residents and business owners.

The assistance, to be coordinated by FEMA, can include grants to help pay for temporary housing, minor home repairs and other serious disaster-related expenses. Low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration also will be available to cover residential and business losses not fully compensated by insurance.

Additionally, Allbaugh said the declaration makes cost-shared funding available to the state for approved projects that reduce future disaster risks. He indicated that more counties and additional forms of assistance for state and local government agencies may be designated later if requested and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

Scott Wells of FEMA was named by Allbaugh to coordinate the federal relief effort. Wells said residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated counties can begin the disaster application process by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will be available starting Friday, September 27, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.

Last Modified: Thursday, 31-Jul-2003 11:31:09