$2.2 Million in Aid for Kentucky Storm Losses
Release Date: March 15, 2008
Release Number: 1746-027
» More Information on Kentucky Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding
LEXINGTON, Ky. -- More than $2.2 million in federal disaster assistance grants and loans has been approved to help Kentucky survivors of tornadoes and severe storms Feb. 5-6 recover from their losses.
The Kentucky Division of Emergency Management (KYEM), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced today that, as of close of business Thursday, $2,207,995 in assistance has been authorized.
"FEMA is here to bring all the help we can to everyone who is eligible," said Michael Bolch, who leads the agency's program in Kentucky. "Being able to provide over $2 million in aid since the president declared this disaster three weeks ago indicates we're succeeding in that mission. At the same time, we continue to urge anyone in the designated counties who has not yet registered for assistance to do so. You may be eligible for aid you're unaware of. The only way to find out is to register."
The 15 counties eligible for individual assistance are Allen, Bath, Christian, Fayette, Hardin, Harrison, Hart, Hopkins, Meade, Mercer, Monroe, Muhlenberg, Nicholas, Shelby and Spencer.
"The $2.2 million FEMA has brought into Kentucky is a real shot in the arm for some of those who were hard hit by these storms and for the whole state," said KYEM Assistant Director Charlie Winter, who is state coordinating officer for this event.
Here is a summary of assistance to individuals, as of Thursday, March 13:
- $680,290 has been approved for housing grants, including short-term rental assistance and home repair costs.
- $183,605 has been approved to cover other essential disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses and lost personal possessions.
- $1,344,100 in disaster loans to homeowners, renters and business owners has been approved by SBA.
- 846 applicants have registered with FEMA for some form of disaster assistance.
- 651 people have visited Disaster Recovery Centers operated jointly by FEMA and Kentucky.
- 394 home inspections have been completed.
- Community Relations specialists have distributed more than 22,000 flyers and worked in the affected counties to help identify and assist disaster survivors. They have met with more than:
- 1,309 residents
- 588 businesses
- 102 faith-based groups
- 38 community organizations
- 73 social service organizations and local agencies
- 32 schools
Individuals can apply for FEMA assistance, follow up on their applications, have questions answered and learn how to appeal a decision by calling the FEMA HELPLINE at 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585 for the hearing- and speech-impaired or online at www.fema.gov. The telephone lines are open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily until further notice.
FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
Last Modified: Monday, 17-Mar-2008 09:07:22