Recovery Summary: Nearly 1200 Minnesota Victims Apply for Disaster Assistance 

Release Date: June 4, 2001
Release Number: 1370-11

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St. Paul, MN -- Almost 1200 Minnesotans from 37 counties across the state have called to apply for disaster assistance, and nearly three quarters of a million dollars in grants and low--interest loans have been approved for victims of severe winter storms, tornadoes and flooding.

The Minnesota Division of Emergency Management (DEM), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and voluntary agencies are working in partnership to help Minnesota residents in the recovery process. Thirty--seven counties have been designated eligible for Individual Assistance as a result of the presidential declaration issued May 16th. The following is an update of recovery activities to date:

The U.S. Small Business Administration has issued 609 loan applications to homeowners/renters and 157 to business owners. 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.

SBA Opens Workshops

The SBA will open a workshop in Moorhead for Clay County applicants to get answers to their questions about the disaster loan program and help in completing their SBA applications. It will be open Tuesday, June 5th through Saturday June 9th, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thereafter, the workshop will be open Monday through Friday, as will the eight other SBA workshops located in Minnesota, as listed below. A FEMA representative will also be at these locations for a limited time to answer applicants' questions about disaster assistance and information on how to reduce future disaster damages. Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, unless otherwise noted.

Benton County 581 Hwy 23 NE, Foley  
Goodhue County 885 East 7th St, Red Wing  
Washington County 1520 S. St. Croix Trail, Lakeland  
Chippewa County 629 North 11th St., Montevideo Hours are 8 a.m. -- 4:30 p.m.
Winona County East 4th and LaFayette, Winona Hours are 8 a.m. -- 5:00 p.m.
Stevens County 722 Iowa Ave., Morris  
Freeborn County 221 West Main Street; Glenville  
St. Louis County 520 West Superior, Duluth Friday hours: 10 a.m. -- 5:30 p.m.
Clay County 501 Main Street, Moorhead Opening June 5, 9 a.m. -- 6 p.m.

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 between March 23 and May 29 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.

Most federal and state disaster assistance programs are designed to meet emergency needs in the form of disaster grants for immediate housing requirements and emergency repairs. These programs are meant to help people begin the recovery process, they are not designed to return people's lives to their pre--disaster conditions. By contrast, low--interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) help homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes make a down payment on their future. SBA is the primary source of long--term disaster recovery loans for homeowners, renters, and business owners.

"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, state coordinating officer and director, DEM, 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: Thursday, 23-Oct-2003 09:05:27