Disaster Recovery Assistance Available For Farmers And Ranchers
Haskell, Meade And Seward Residents Encouraged To Register For Assistance
Release Date: May 30, 2003
Release Number: 1462-16
» More Information on Kansas Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding
Lenexa, KS -- Farmers and ranchers in the disaster declared counties of Haskell, Meade and Seward, in addition to the earlier declared counties, are eligible to apply for disaster-recovery assistance from a variety of sources.
If the primary residence on a farm or ranch was damaged or destroyed by the tornadoes and severe storms that began May 4 and continuing, state and federal programs may be available to help. These programs include grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for short-term rental needs, minimal home repairs, or to meet serious disaster-related needs not covered by other programs. Also included are low-interest U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loans for any disaster-related damage and/or to replace damaged personal property.
To apply for assistance, individuals must call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or the TTY number 1-800-462-7585 for the speech or hearing impaired. The telephone numbers are operational from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. CDT, seven days a week until further notice. If insured, individuals should call their insurance company first, then call FEMA.
Assistance is available specifically for agriculture businesses from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Farm Service Agency (FSA). For information on FSA programs, individuals should call their local county offices.
FSA assistance includes the Emergency Loan Program. The emergency loan funds may be used to:
- Restore or replace essential property
- Pay all or part of production costs associated with the disaster year
- Pay essential family living expenses
- Reorganize the farming operation
- Refinance certain debts
All individuals who suffered damage from the tornadoes and storms that began May 4 and continuing are strongly encouraged to call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the speech or hearing impaired, to start the application process and get answers to any questions they may have about disaster assistance programs.
Last Modified: Friday, 30-May-2003 09:27:51