Ohio Disaster Aid Nears $7 Million
Release Date: June 16, 2004
Release Number: 1519-011
» More Information on Ohio Severe Storms and Flooding
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- In two weeks since the June 3 Presidential disaster declaration, $6,968,526 in grants and low-interest disaster loans has been approved for disaster assistance in Ohio, according to figures issued today by the U. S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Ohio Emergency Management Agency (Ohio EMA).
Disaster recovery officials urge anyone in the eight eligible counties who suffered damages or loss from the flooding that began May 18 to apply for assistance by calling the FEMA toll-free registration number 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585 for those with speech or hearing impairment. Both lines are open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.
An update of recovery activities as of close of business Tuesday, June 15:
- 20,391 individuals from the eight declared counties have registered for assistance.
- 471 people have visited disaster recovery centers in the eight counties.
- 3,643 housing assistance grants totaling $4,716,676 have been approved.
- 3,252 grants totaling $2,191,850 have been approved for other needs.
- 6,601 U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest disaster loan applications have been issued: 5,850 to homeowners, 751 to business owners.
- Ten SBA low-interest disaster loans totaling $60,000 have been approved.
- FEMA has completed 15,485 inspections of claimants' homes.
The counties eligible for state and federal assistance in the wake of the flooding that began May 18 are Athens, Columbiana, Cuyahoga, Lorain, Medina, Noble, Perry, and Summit.
Housing Assistance Program
Individuals and families whose permanent homes were damaged or destroyed by the recent flooding, and who are in a declared county, may be eligible for the Individual Assistance Program. This assistance can be used for temporary disaster housing assistance; repairing disaster-damaged, uninsured homes to a safe, sanitary and functional condition and replacement grants for serious, disaster-related needs and expenses not covered by insurance or other assistance programs.
U.S. Small Business Administration
The SBA has issued 6,601 loan applications to homeowners, renters and 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 or prevent receiving other forms of disaster assistance. SBA representatives are available at the SBA workshops now open for applicants who need assistance completing their loan paperwork.
The Ohio EMA coordinates State assistance and resources during an emergency and prepares the state for all hazards through planning, training, exercises and funding activities at the state and local level. This includes providing assistance to individuals and administering state and federal assistance to individuals and governmental entities recovering from disaster-related damage and costs. Ohio EMA coordinates homeland security funding, weapons of mass destruction training, anti-terrorism planning and training, and assists local and state agencies determine homeland security strategies and priorities.
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 mtigation activities, trains first responders, and manages Citizen Corps, the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 16-Jun-2004 17:20:27