Minnesota Flood Update:
More than $1.2 Million In Disaster Assistance Grants Approved So Far
Release Date: April 24, 2009
Release Number: 1830-019
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MOORHEAD, Minn. -- More than $1.2 million in financial assistance has been approved for residents of Clay, Norman, Traverse and Wilkin counties who suffered damages in the Red River flooding which began March 16.
The following is a summary of ongoing disaster assistance as of close of business on Thursday, April 23:
- $1,289,257 in disaster assistance grants under the Individuals and Households Program has been approved. This includes $1,252,865 in Housing Assistance (373 claims) and $36,392 in Other Needs Assistance (62 claims).
- 748 applications have been received from the four designated counties. Nearly 50 percent of those applications were made online
- 426 people have visited the Disaster Recovery Centers to talk face-to-face with recovery specialists or get help with SBA low-interest loan applications; 366 visited the DRC in Moorhead, while 33 visited the mobile DRC in Hendrum.
These grants may be just the first type of assistance that applicants may receive. Applicants may be eligible for both FEMA grants and low-interest loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration.
FEMA disaster assistance covers basic needs only and will not normally compensate eligible applicants for their entire losses. For those insured, the government may help pay for basic needs not covered by insurance companies.
Applicants who receive an SBA loan application should complete and return the forms even if they do not want a loan. If the SBA determines they are ineligible for a disaster loan, FEMA may then be able to provide grants to repair or replace damaged or lost personal property and vehicles or to pay moving and storage expenses.
By congressional mandate, disaster assistance funds should be used for their intended purpose. False disaster claims or theft of government property, prosecuted by the Justice Department, are felonies carrying maximum penalties of 10 years imprisonment or a $250,000 fine, or both. FEMA's Office of Inspector General routinely audits individuals, state and local governments and nonprofit organizations that receive FEMA disaster-recovery funds.
Individuals are encouraged to apply for assistance before visiting a DRC by calling toll-free 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), or TTY 1-800-462-7585. FEMA operators are available from 6 a.m. to midnight CDT seven days a week until further notice. Multilingual operators are available to assist you. Registration can also be completed online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov. The application deadline is June 9.
FEMA leads and supports the nation in a risk-based, comprehensive emergency management system of preparedness, protection, response, recovery, and mitigation, to reduce the loss of life and property and protect the nation from all hazards including natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters.
Last Modified: Monday, 27-Apr-2009 08:20:03