Disaster Assistance to Wisconsin Reaches Almost $36 Million
Release Date: July 11, 2008
Release Number: 1768-074
» More Information on Wisconsin Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
Madison, Wis. -- Wisconsin residents recovering from recent severe storms and flooding have received almost $36 million in disaster assistance, state and federal officials announced today. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has distributed $31.6 million in grants to individuals for housing and other disaster needs. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved $4.2 million in low interest disaster loans.
Recovery summary as of close of business July 10, 2008:
- 30,895 residents have registered for Individual Assistance in the 30 declared Wisconsin counties.
- $28 million in Individual Assistance has been distributed for temporary housing and repair and replacement of storm-damaged housing.
- $3.6 million has been provided for other disaster needs such as transportation, medical and dental expenses, moving and storage fees, and replacement or repair of personal property.
- $4.2 million has been approved in low interest SBA disaster loans to homeowners, renters and business owners.
- 26,607 home inspections have been completed.
- 5,196 individuals have visited the 15 Wisconsin Disaster Recovery Centers.
- 2,739 residents have been advised by FEMA mitigation experts on flood insurance, rebuilding to reduce future disaster damage, health and safety issues, and FEMA disaster assistance programs.
Wisconsin Emergency Management, FEMA and SBA officials urge Wisconsin individuals, families and business owners who live in disaster-declared counties and suffered damage from severe storms, tornadoes and ongoing flooding to apply for disaster-assistance grants and low interest SBA loans. Those who have registered and then sustained further damage or losses need not register again but should call the toll-free number and notify FEMA of the additional damage or losses.
Residents who sustained storm and flood-related damage may register or update their information by calling the toll-free registration number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for those with speech or hearing impairment. Lines are open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. CDT. Residents also may register online at www.fema.gov.
Homeowners, renters and business owners can receive information about SBA disaster loans and obtain help with the application process by calling the SBA at 1-800-659-2955, by visiting the SBA Web site at www.sba.gov, or by talking to an SBA customer service representative at any DRC.
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, 14-Jul-2008 09:11:30