Hamilton And Granite Falls Disaster Recovery Centers To Become Sba Disaster Centers
Release Date: November 28, 2003
Release Number: 1499-23
» More Information on Washington Severe Storms and Flooding
EVERETT, Wash. -- To meet the needs of the communities, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and State disaster recovery officials announced today that the Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) in Hamilton and Granite Falls will close and reopen as SBA Disaster Centers. The Hamilton DRC closed Tuesday November 25. The Granite Falls DRC will close Saturday November 29.
"The Washington State Emergency Management Division, FEMA and SBA opened the Disaster Recovery Centers to provide one-stop, face-to-face assistance to individuals and businesses who suffered damage in the severe storms and flooding that occurred between October 15 - 23," said Anthony Russell of FEMA. After registering for assistance through FEMA's toll-free registration number, individuals were able to visit those recovery centers to obtain detailed information on the types of disaster assistance available from local, state, federal, and voluntary agencies.
The Hamilton DRC becomes an SBA Disaster Center on December 1 and will still be located at the Hamilton Baptist Church, 797 Hamilton Cemetery RD. It will be open on Mondays and Tuesdays from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm through December 16.
The Granite Falls DRC becomes an SBA Disaster Center beginning December 3 and will be located at the American Legion Hall, 301 S. Granite Ave. It will be open on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm through December 19.
At both of these locations, SBA representatives will continue to provide individuals and business owners with face-to-face service in completing their loan applications, answer questions about SBA's loan program, and show how an SBA disaster loan can help pay for their disaster losses.
Low interest disaster loans from SBA are available to homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes and private, non-profit organizations. Disaster loans from SBA are the primary source of funds for repairing and rebuilding of disaster damaged private property.
Anyone still needing assistance may call the following toll-free numbers: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) and, for persons who have speech or hearing impairments, TTY 1-800-462-7585 . The phones are staffed from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., everyday until further notice.
On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Friday, 28-Nov-2003 11:26:06