Federal Flood Assistance Approved For Individuals And Businesses
Call The Toll-free Registration Number To Apply For Help
Release Date: December 4, 2002
Release Number: 1445-02
» More Information on Alaska Winter Storms
Anchorage, AK -- Winter storms and flooding from Oct. 23 through Nov. 12 were severe enough to trigger a federal disaster declaration today by President Bush. Disaster assistance will be coordinated through the federal/state Disaster Field Office established in Anchorage in response to the Nov. 3 earthquake.
"We are pleased that President Bush and his Administration have offered help to Alaskans affected by the recent severe flooding that happened," said Alaska Governor Frank Murkowski. "With FEMA's assistance, and the efforts of friends, neighbors, and officials in the affected communities, we'll be able to move forward with recovery activities," Murkowski added.
William Lokey, federal coordinating officer for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), said that federal assistance was approved for individuals, businesses and public infrastructure based on damage assessments gathered by federal, state and local disaster recovery officials. "FEMA and the State of Alaska are working in partnership to make sure that all qualified individuals, plus affected state and local governments, get the help they need."
Residents and business owners in the declared area can apply for help by calling FEMA's toll-free registration number 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). The TTY number for the speech or hearing impaired is 1-800-462-7585. Operators are available to take calls from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Alaska Standard Time, seven days a week until further notice.
The disaster programs available to residents and business owners affected by the disaster in the Kenai Peninsula Borough, Kodiak Island Borough; and Chignik Bay area, including Chignik Lake and Chignik Lagoon include FEMA's Individuals and Households Program (IHP), which provides rental assistance or repair work to make the home safe, sanitary and secure, and financial help for serious needs not met by other programs; and U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest loans for homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes.
The Public Assistance Program provides a 75 percent supplemental federal disaster grant for the repair, replacement, or restoration of disaster-damaged, publicly owned facilities and the facilities of certain private non-profit organizations. The funds help with eligible costs for emergency measures and permanent restoration of disaster-damaged public structures in Kenai Peninsula Borough and Chignik Bay area, including Chignik Lake and Chignik Lagoon. All areas in Alaska are eligible to apply for assistance under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 27-Aug-2003 15:01:39