Update: Michigan Disaster Aid Totals $6.5 Million
Release Date: July 10, 2004
Release Number: 1527-005
» More Information on Michigan Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding
EAST LANSING, Mich. -- In the first week of activity, $6,586,668 million in grants and loans has been approved to help home owners, renters and businesses recover from the severe storms, tornadoes and floods of May 20 - 24 in the19 Michigan counties declared disaster areas by President Bush June 30.
Here is an update of action by state and federal emergency management teams as recovery efforts continue.
- 25,587 residents in the 19 counties have registered for disaster assistance since the President declared those areas a major disaster following a request from Gov. Jennifer Granholm.
- Disaster housing assistance checks totaling $4.8 million have been approved to assist with temporary housing and minor home repairs.
- Checks totaling $1.58 million have been approved to help with other needs such as medical, dental, funeral, transportation, moving and storage expenses.
- FEMA inspectors have completed 10,676 property inspections.
- Officials are currently processing 13,465 requests for Individual and Households (IHP) assistance. These funds may be used to cover serious disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance or other programs.
- The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved $185,000 in low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters and businesses. The first loan checks will be distributed July 13.
- 32,480 persons have called the FEMA Helpline (1-800-621-3362) for answers to questions about their application.
Individuals may apply for disaster assistance by calling FEMA's toll-free registration line at 1-800-621-3362 (TTY: 1-800-462-7585). While most assistance offered under government programs covers basic needs only and will not compensate individuals for their entire loss, disaster recovery programs can give a helping hand on the road to recovery.
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.