Mass. Disaster Aid Nearing $25 Million For May Floods
Release Date: June 26, 2006
Release Number: 1642-015
» More Information on Massachusetts Severe Storms and Flooding
ANDOVER, Mass. -- More than $24.3 million in state and federal aid has been approved for Massachusetts following the severe storms and flooding that took place during May 12-23, 2006.
To date, 8,518 households from the three disaster-declared counties (Essex - 5,646; Middlesex - 2,388; and Suffolk - 484) have applied for disaster assistance since President Bush approved a federal disaster declaration on May 25.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved more than $12.5 million to cover rental assistance, temporary lodging, and grants for home repairs not covered by insurance (Essex - $8.1 million; Middlesex - $3.7 million; and Suffolk - $677,000). In addition, $1.2 million has been approved for personal property loss, medical or dental costs and other significant disaster-related expenses.
Individuals may register for assistance at www.fema.gov/assistance or call toll-free 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the speech- or hearing-impaired. The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance or a low-interest SBA disaster loan is July 24, 2006.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved low-interest disaster loans totaling more than $10.6 million for homeowners, business owners and renters. SBA has six locations where individuals can receive assistance in filling out their loan applications. FEMA also has staff at these sites to help answer questions about disaster assistance and steps individuals can take to protect their home from future disasters.
LAWRENCE - Lawrence Public Library
51 Lawrence Street
Hours: Mon.-Thu. 9-6, Fri. 9-5LOWELL - Small Business Assistance Center
88 Middle Street - Room 202
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8-5MELROSE - Senior Center
201 West Foster Street
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8-5HAVERHILL - United Way of Merrimack
Ward Hill Industrial Park - 237 Neck Road
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8-5REVERE - Rosetti Cowan Senior Center
25 Winthrop Avenue
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8-4:30PEABODY - West Branch Library
603 Lowell Street (rear)
Hours: Mon.,Wed. 8-5; Tue.,Thur. 9-6, closed Fri.
Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is available to those who lost work because of the disaster. DUA is also available to the self-employed, who are not generally eligible for traditional unemployment benefits. The application deadline is June 30 and can be done by calling the Massachusetts Department of Workforce Development's Division of Unemployment Assistance at 617-626-6800.
On June 9, President Bush approved assistance for local governments, state agencies and certain private nonprofits performing government functions in Essex and Middlesex counties. FEMA's Public Assistance program provides funding reimbursement for eligible costs incurred for emergency response or damage to public infrastructure. Applicant briefings were held last week to explain the assistance process in the affected areas. FEMA has received 124 requests for public assistance and already held 41 kickoff meetings.
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.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 06-Dec-2006 09:31:38