More Than $4.4 Million in Missouri September Flood Aid Approved
Release Date: December 12, 2008
Release Number: 1809-027
» More Information on Missouri Severe Storms, Flooding, and a Tornado
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- More than $4.4 million in disaster aid has been approved in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grants for Missouri residents suffering damage from the severe storms, flooding and tornado during the period of Sept. 11-24, state and federal officials announced today.
Below is a recovery summary as of the close of business Dec. 11, 2008 for the Individual Assistance program in the declared counties of Boone, Callaway, Chariton, Howell, Jefferson, Lewis, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Osage, Schuyler, St. Charles, St. Louis, Stone, Taney, Texas, and Webster Counties and the Independent City of St. Louis.
-
More than $2.9 million has been approved in housing assistance to help disaster-affected Missourians with temporary housing and home repairs. Additionally, more than $1 million has been approved for Other Needs Assistance (ONA), which may include the repair or replacement of personal property and disaster-related transportation, moving, medical, dental, and funeral expenses. Missouri provides 25 percent of ONA money provided to applicants.
-
2,699 individuals have applied for assistance by calling the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA's) toll-free registration number.
-
2,202 damage inspections have been completed. Those who may be awaiting an inspector are reminded to keep their appointments to speed recovery assistance.
-
More than $512,000 has been approved for homeowners and businesses by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Those who have questions about low-interest loans from SBA can call 1-800-659-2955, e-mail to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visit SBA's Web site at: www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance.
-
766 people visited the Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) in University City, Troy, St. Louis, Rockaway Beach, Reeds Spring and Fulton, Mo., to talk face-to-face with recovery specialists, get help with SBA loan application, or check the status of their applications and how to mitigate against future losses. A representative or disaster information from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is also available to assist with disaster losses. Referral information is available for other agencies providing disaster assistance.
-
Two DRCs will close today, Dec. 12, 2008, at 7 p.m. They are located at the Lincoln County Fire Station No. 4, 725 Highway KK in Troy and the Rock Community Fire Protection District Building, 3749 Telegraph Road, in Arnold.
-
A disaster stress hotline is available through the LifeRAFT Crisis line, 1-866-384-1254. A counselor is available to help those impacted in a disaster to understand their current situation and reactions.
-
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) information on how to claim disaster losses and other information can be found at www.irs.gov (click on storms, floods, tornadoes and other disasters and then choose Missouri). The IRS toll-free number for general tax questions is 1-800-829-1040. Disaster assistance from FEMA is not taxable.
- Only one month remains as Jan. 12, 2009, is the deadline to apply for disaster assistance. Residents who suffered loss and damage from the September storms should register for assistance at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the speech- or hearing-impaired. Telephone lines are open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and will be available until further notice. Applicants can also register anytime at www.fema.gov .
FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
Last Modified: Monday, 15-Dec-2008 08:44:23