$7.7 Million in Flood Aid to Help 3,800+ N.H. Applicants
Release Date: June 16, 2006
Release Number: 1643-020
» More Information on New Hampshire Severe Storms and Flooding
NEWINGTON, N.H. -- Three weeks into the recovery effort, $7,736,117 in state and federal disaster aid has been approved to help New Hampshire residents who suffered flood-related losses as a result of the May flooding, according to recovery officials.
Thus far, almost 50 percent of the homeowners and renters and businesses who have called the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to register for assistance are from hardest-hit Rockingham County, while almost 30 percent are located in Hillsborough County. Applicants in the other four designated counties (Belknap, Carroll, Merrimack and Strafford) accounted for the remaining applications.
"Using streamlined processing and improved technology to speed aid, we've been able to disburse 99 percent of approved home repair grants to individuals and families within days of applicant registration," said State Coordinating Officer Mike Poirier, of the New Hampshire Bureau of Emergency Management.
"Still, we know there are people out there with flood-related losses who have not yet applied for help," Federal Coordinating Officer Kenneth Clark said. "These individuals are encouraged to contact FEMA and begin the registration process without delay."
Residents and business owners with flood-related losses can do this by calling FEMA toll free at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. Personnel are available to take applications from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week until further notice.
The following is a summary of ongoing recovery efforts, close of business, June 15:
- To date, 3,811 applicants from the six designated counties have applied for state/federal disaster assistance. During the past week, operators report a steady stream of more than 100 applicants per day.
- Of these applicants, 2655 have been approved for Individuals and Households Program (IHP) grants that total $5,222,117.
- Housing Assistance of $4,879,535 has been approved for 2528 individuals and families for essential home repairs and temporary housing. These grants are 100 percent funded by FEMA.
- Other Needs Assistance of $342,581 has been approved for 946 residents to help meet serious disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance or other programs. Examples include personal property replacement, along with moving and storage, transportation and other necessary expenses. These grants are 75 percent funded by FEMA and 25 percent by the state.
- The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has issued low-interest disaster loan applications to 3,346 individuals and to 406 businesses affected by the flooding. To date, $2,514,000 in loans have been approved by the SBA. The SBA will continue to accept loan applications until the July 24 filing deadline.
- Thus far, FEMA inspectors have completed 3,166 inspections of damaged property, 94 percent of those that have been issued. Most were completed within three to five days of initial registration.
- Community Relations outreach teams continue to work with local officials and organizations in the declared counties to inform residents and businesses about available state/federal disaster assistance programs. The teams also go door-to-door, encouraging those with damages to apply for assistance.
FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003
The N.H. Bureau of Emergency Management is responsible for coordinating the states emergency response to major natural and man-made disasters.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 06-Dec-2006 11:33:56