President Orders Disaster Aid For Kansas Tornado Victims
Release Date: May 6, 2003
Release Number: HQ-03-109
» More Information on Kansas Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding
Washington, D.C. -- The head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that President Bush has authorized the use of federal disaster funds to help meet the recovery needs of Kansas families and businesses ravaged by last Sunday's string of deadly tornadoes.
Michael D. Brown, FEMA director and undersecretary for the Emergency Preparedness and Response Directorate, a part of the Department of Homeland Security, said the President ordered the aid under a major disaster declaration issued this afternoon after receiving FEMA's analysis of the state's expedited request for federal relief. The declaration covers damage to private property from severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that began May 4.
"President Bush knows how devastating these storms have been and that people need help to get back on their feet," said Brown, who toured the damaged Kansas City area this morning. "We will do all that we can to make sure that everyone in need of assistance receives it as fast and efficiently as possible."
Following the declaration, Brown designated the counties of Cherokee, Crawford, Labette, Leavenworth, Miami, Neosho and Wyandette eligible for federal aid to stricken residents and businesses owners.
The assistance, to be coordinated by FEMA, can include grants to help pay for temporary housing, 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.
In addition, Brown said federal funds will be provided for the state and affected local governments in the same designated counties to pay 75 percent of the approved costs for debris removal and emergency services related to the disaster. The declaration also makes cost-shared funding available to the state for approved projects that reduce future disaster risks.
Brown indicated that more counties and additional forms of assistance for the state and local government agencies may be designated later based on the results of further damage assessments. He named Michael J. Hall of FEMA to coordinate the federal relief effort.
Hall said those who sustained losses in the counties designated for aid to affected residents and business owners 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 Wednesday, May 7, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 03-Jun-2003 11:39:24