$3.17 Billion Disaster Aid To Florida Storm Victims
Release Date: December 15, 2004
Release Number: 1539-317
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ORLANDO, Fla. -- Floridians who suffered damages from Hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan and Jeanne, have been approved for $3,169,950,000 thus far in federal and state disaster assistance, according to Florida’s State Emergency Response Team (SERT) and the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Nearly 1.18 million storm victims have applied for disaster assistance since Hurricane Charley came ashore four months ago.
Of those who have registered so far, 842,650 have been referred to FEMA’s Individuals & Households Program (IHP) for temporary housing assistance and/or other disaster-related needs assistance. The remaining registrants have been referred to other state or federal assistance programs, withdrew their applications or were deemed ineligible for aid.
To date, 97.2 percent of all eligible referrals to IHP have been processed and approved for $998,862,039 in disaster aid. That amount is comprised of $469,051,193 to be used for temporary housing and $529,810,846 for other needs such as repair or replacement of essential personal property, medical, funeral, dental expenses and other disaster-related expenses.
A county-by-county breakdown of IHP assistance received is attached.
During the early stages of SERT’s and FEMA’s response and recovery effort, $1.164 million was approved for emergency response measures. These measures included such items as ice, water, food, temporary roofing and other emergency services.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved $825.5 million to date in low-interest loans to repair storm-damaged homes and businesses. Of that amount, nearly $636 million in loans went to homeowners and $189.5 million to businesses.
Public Infrastructure was severely impacted by this season’s hurricanes. More than 2,482 requests were submitted for Public Assistance to help defray the costs of repairing or replacing public and certain non-profit agency facilities. These facilities include government buildings, roads, bridges, schools, libraries and other public amenities. Nearly $181.6 million in infrastructure assistance has been obligated thus far.
Additionally, many applicants were eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance, Crisis Counseling, free legal aid and other SERT/FEMA disaster recovery programs.
The deadline to apply for federal and state disaster assistance is approaching. Storm victims who have not registered for assistance should do so immediately. To register, simply call FEMA’s toll-free number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the hearing- and/or speech-impaired. The phone lines are operational every day from 6 a.m. to midnight, Eastern time.
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, 16-Dec-2004 11:59:12