Recovery Summary: More Than 2000 Minnesota Victims Apply For Disaster 

Release Date: June 25, 2001
Release Number: 1370-21

» More Information on Minnesota Flooding

St. Paul, MN -- More than five million dollars in grants and low--interest loans have been approved for victims of severe winter storms, tornadoes and flooding beginning March 23 and continuing through June. Half the 2030 call--in applications received have been approved for a total of $5,165,907 in grants and loans, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

With the reopening of the incident period this past week by FEMA Director Joe M. Allbaugh and the addition of several counties to the declaration, 62 counties have been designated for some type of federal and state assistance as a result of the Presidential declaration issued May 16th.

Fifty five counties and four Tribal governments are eligible for individual assistance in the form of housing grants, U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low--interest loans and individual and family grants (IFG). Housing grants are designed to meet emergency needs for immediate housing requirements and emergency repairs needed to make a home habitable. The IFG program provides grants for serious disaster--related needs and necessary expenses not covered by insurance or other federal, state or voluntary agency disaster assistance programs.

To date:

(120 approved for homeowners/renters for $2,129,800 and 17 approved for business owners for $1,409,600)

Local governments in the 56 Minnesota counties and two Tribal governments eligible for Public Assistance have made a total of 811 requests for assistance from the FEMA/state program which provides funds for the repair of public facilities such as roads, bridges, public buildings and utilities, and for debris removal.

SBA Opens Temporary Offices

On Monday, June 25, the SBA will open two temporary disaster loan assistance offices to help those recovering from the recent storms get answers to their questions about the disaster loan program and aid in completing their SBA applications. A FEMA representative will also be at the workshops for a limited time to answer questions about disaster assistance.

The Brainerd office will be open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. , until further notice. On Saturday, June 30, it will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Willmar office will be open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and open on Saturday, June 30th from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Both offices will be closed on July 4th.

Brainerd Public Library
416 5th Street
Brainerd

Kandiyohi County Public Health Building
2200 23rd Street NE -- Suite 1090
Willmar

SBA and FEMA officials urge applicants to complete their loan paperwork as soon as possible, even if they have not received a final settlement from their insurance company. If the loan application is not returned it will delay other forms of disaster assistance.

Just One Call Starts the Application Process

The application process is easy, efficient and begins with a single phone call. Those who suffered disaster damages, beginning March 23 and continuing through the June weather events, in the designated counties should call FEMA's toll--free number, 1 800 462--9029. This number is answered from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, until further notice. Those who are speech or hearing impaired can apply by calling the toll--free TTY number 1 800 462--7585.

"Don't hesitate to apply for the assistance you may need," Jim Roche, FEMA federal coordinating officer, said. "The federal government has allocated sufficient funds for grants for all those in the affected areas who have eligible losses."

"There is enough help to go around for all who are eligible," Kevin Leuer, director and state coordinating officer, Minnesota Division of Emergency Management, said. "The amounts distributed to one individual will in no way affect what disaster assistance is available to your neighbor or other citizens of Minnesota."

Last Modified: Tuesday, 21-Oct-2003 14:26:54