Disaster Aid Nears 1.5 Million Dollars
Release Date: November 21, 2003
Release Number: 1499-17
» More Information on Washington Severe Storms and Flooding
EVERETT, Wash. - Families and individuals who suffered damage from the October 15 - 23 severe storms are quickly receiving assistance from state, federal, local and voluntary agencies.
"These agencies are working in partnership to help residents of Chelan, Clallam, Grays Harbor, Island, Jefferson, King, Kitsap, Mason, Okanogan, Pierce, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish, Thurston and Whatcom counties," said Anthony Russell, Federal Coordinating Officer for the disaster.
"I am pleased that more than $1 million in federal aid has already been distributed to Washington citizens affected by the devastating flooding. This money is critical for families and businesses to rebuild their lives," said Governor Gary Locke. "I thank FEMA and our state agencies for their hard work to distribute assistance as rapidly as possible to those who need it most."
Recovery services summary as of 7:00 a.m., Friday, Nov. 21, 2003:
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918 applications have been received through the FEMA toll free registration number 800-621-FEMA (3362), TTY: 800-462-7585.
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92 percent of damage inspections issued have been completed.
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$1,127,574 from the Individuals and Households Program has been disbursed to the victims.
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$362,800 In Small Business Administration (SBA) loans have been approved.
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83 SBA loan applications have been received.
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The Disaster Unemployment Assistance program (DUA) is available to residents living or working in the 15 counties that were declared disaster areas. The DUA may provide weekly benefit payments to those out of work due to the disaster, including self-employed persons, farm workers, farm and ranch owners, and others not covered by regular unemployment programs.
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Over 200 people have visited the Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs). There are currently 6 active DRCs located in Granite Fall, Hamilton, Concrete, Shelton, Bellingham and Sedro Woolley. Bremerton and Aberdeen will be opening DRCs next week. People affected by the storms may go to the DRC to have questions answered about disaster assistance in person.
- 9 Community Relations teams have canvassed the community with information.
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: Monday, 24-Nov-2003 08:54:54