Mass. Disaster Aid Nears $34 Million for May Floods
Disaster Assistance Registration in Final Week
Release Date: July 18, 2006
Release Number: 1642-026
» More Information on Massachusetts Severe Storms and Flooding
ANDOVER, Mass. -- While $33.9 million in state and federal assistance has been approved for Massachusetts following the severe storms and flooding that took place during May 12-23, 2006, officials are reminding affected communities that the deadline to apply for disaster assistance is fast approaching on Monday, July 24, 2006.
To date, 9,693 households from the three disaster-declared counties (Essex – 6,424; Middlesex – 2,713; and Suffolk –556) 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 $14.4 million to cover rental assistance, temporary lodging, and grants for home repairs not covered by insurance (Essex - $9.4 million; Middlesex - $4.2 million; and Suffolk - $778,508). In addition, $1.4 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 SBA disaster loans is July 24, 2006.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved low-interest disaster loans totaling more than $18.1 million for homeowners, business owners and renters. SBA has four locations where individuals can receive assistance in filling out their loan applications.
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. 8-5
On June 9, President Bush approved Public Assistance funding 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 to explain the assistance process in the affected areas. To date, FEMA has received 148 requests for public 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.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 06-Dec-2006 09:16:05