Alabama Disaster Assistance Tops $7.2 Million In First Month
Release Date: December 13, 2002
Release Number: 1442-14
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Birmingham, AL -- In one month, more than $7.2 million in federal and state funds or loans have been received by or are on the way to Alabamians who suffered losses following storms and tornadoes that swept through the state between Nov. 5 - 12.
Government disaster assistance covers basic needs and will not normally compensate for entire losses.For persons who have insurance, some assistance may be provided to help pay for part of the loss not covered by insurance. The following is a summary through Dec.12 of ongoing response and recovery efforts since the presidential disaster declaration on November 14.
- By the close of business Dec.12, federal and state governments had approved $7,243,683 in grants or loans for residents affected by the storms in counties that were declared disaster areas.
- 1,156 victims in those counties have applied for assistance, mainly to get temporary housing, replace lost possessions, or make emergency repairs to their homes.
- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has reported more than $2.2 million in the aid pipeline to families, homeowners, and renters.
- Grants totaling $927,829 have been approved for 377 eligible applicants to help provide housing assistance. Grants totaling $1.2 million have been approved for 207 applicants to meet other needs.
- The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved 79 loans totaling $5,035,800 for the repair of homes and businesses, economic injury and replacement of damaged personal and business property.
- Applications for public assistance have been filed by 21 governmental agencies to reimburse extra costs due to the storms and tornadoes and to share in the cost of repairing or rebuilding public facilities.
- 638 inspections have been made to verify damages to victims of the tornadoes.
- 42 applications for disaster unemployment assistance have been approved for persons who lost work because of the tornadoes.
Officials urge persons who suffered losses as a result of storms and tornadoes in the 29 Alabama counties declared disaster areas because of the Nov. 5 - 12 storms and tornadoes to apply for assistance by calling on FEMA's toll-free teleregistration line, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Those with hearing or speech impairments may call TTY 1-800-462-7585.
The deadline for applying for assistance is Jan. 13. Work on applications made before then will continue beyond that date.Officials also reminded storm victims that they will be able to receive help on their application by calling FEMA's Helpline, 1-800-621-3362.
Here is a breakdown of the number of applicants and amount of government disaster assistance approved or disbursed in each county as of close of business 12/12/02. Dollars for persons in counties with fewer than 10 applicants are included in the total figures but not shown for the individual county.
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Last Modified: Monday, 21-Apr-2003 11:36:47