Maine Disaster Assistance Tops $1 Million
Release Date: May 30, 2008
Release Number: 1755-016
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AUGUSTA, Maine - According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), more than $1.06 million in assistance to individuals has been approved since President Bush issued a major disaster declaration for Aroostook and Penobscot Counties.
Under FEMA's Individuals and Households Program, $677,226 has been approved for housing assistance to cover rental assistance, temporary lodging, and grants for home repairs not covered by insurance. In addition, $132,387 was approved for personal property loss, medical or dental costs and other significant disaster-related expenses.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved low-interest disaster loans totaling more than $251,000 for homeowners, businesses and renters. Thus far, 219 home loan applications and 89 business loan applications have been issued.
To date, 424 households have registered for assistance and 472 have visited Disaster Recovery Centers. Individuals may register for assistance online at www.fema.gov or by calling toll-free 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week.
FEMA disaster assistance covers basic needs only and will not normally compensate those affected by disaster for their entire loss. For those with insurance, the government may help pay for basic needs not covered by insurance. FEMA's temporary housing and financial assistance for medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loan. However, an applicant must complete an SBA loan application to be eligible for assistance that covers real estate, business losses, personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.
Last Modified: Monday, 02-Jun-2008 09:38:39