More Than $27.5 Million Approved with Application Deadline Just Two Weeks Away  

Vinton County added to counties eligible for Public Assistance for Infrastructure

Release Date: November 4, 2004
Release Number: 1556-038

» More Information on Ohio Severe Storms and Flooding

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- More than $27.5 million in grants and low-interest loans has been approved for thousands of eastern Ohio disaster victims, but just two weeks remain for those who suffered damages between August 27 through September 27, to call and apply before the November 18 deadline. (The deadline to apply for West Virginia residents is November 19.)

Almost 5,400 claims to date have been approved for financial assistance in just six weeks since President Bush issued the major disaster declaration, according to figures released today by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Ohio Emergency Management Agency (Ohio EMA). More than a 1,000 business owners have also applied out of the 8,367 application calls that FEMA has already received.

Disaster Summary: This is a summary of recovery activities and statistics as of close of business Nov. 3:

Trimble Disaster Recovery Center Open Nov. 12: To help meet the ongoing needs of Ohio’s severe storms and flooding victims, FEMA and Ohio EMA are opening a Disaster Recovery Center in the Rural Action Bldg., 19627 Walnut St., Trimble on Friday, Nov. 12. The center, which will remain open until the following Thursday, Nov. 18, will provide an opportunity for people to talk face-to-face with recovery specialists. The center will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and closed on Sunday.

Other Disaster Recovery Center locations and hours:

Washington County: Washington County Courthouse, 205 Putnam Street, Marietta
Open Mon. – Sat., 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., through Thursday, Nov. 18

Belmont County: Engineers Garage, 45741 Roscoe Road, St. Clairsville
Open Mon. – Sat., 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., through Thursday, Nov. 18

Call to apply. FEMA also wants to remind disaster victims that if they applied for disaster assistance from flooding earlier this summer (May 18 thru June 21) and have new damages from the flooding August 27 thru September 27, their previous application will not be carried forward. Even if victims, who initially received funds from voluntary agencies, the Ohio Jobs and Family Services, or a flood insurance claim, may be eligible for disaster assistance. Those residents of Athens, Carroll, Columbiana, Guernsey, Harrison, Mahoning, Noble, Perry, Stark and Tuscarawas counties with new damage need to call and reapply with FEMA for disaster assistance.

Individuals can begin the disaster application process by calling the toll-free registration number 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week until further notice. Individuals with Internet access now have the option to register on the agency’s website at http://www.fema.gov, where valuable recovery information is also available.

Travel trailers available. More than 20 travel trailers have already been placed in several counties to provide additional assistance to meet the temporary housing needs for Ohio flood victims. Travel trailers are made available by FEMA only when other forms of housing resources cannot found. The travel trailers are approximately 8 ft. wide by 32 feet long and can house up to five people. They are not the answer for every applicant. FEMA considers travel trailers as “interim housing” and occupants re-certify each month. All disaster recovery actions are undertaken with the hope that people can return to their own home or acquire other permanent housing.

Public Assistance available. Vinton County began the 17th Ohio county eligible for Public Assistance (Infrastructure) on Tuesday (Nov. 2). Under the expanded assistance, FEMA said affected local governments and certain private non-profit organizations in Vinton County are eligible to apply for federal funds to pay 75 percent of the approved cost for debris removal, emergency services related to the disaster, and repairing or replacing damaged public facilities, such as roads, buildings and utilities.

Under the original declaration issued by President Bush on September 19, the county was designated for aid to individuals, families and business owners. State and federal disaster officials will meet with community leaders next week to explain the public assistance (infrastructure) process.

A total of 376 requests for public assistance have been received from the 16 counties eligible for public assistance and 54 project worksheets have been submitted. The other disaster-designated counties for Public Assistance (Infrastructure) are Athens, Belmont, Carroll, Columbiana, Gallia, Guernsey, Harrison, Jefferson, Lawrence, Mahoning, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Muskingum, Noble, Perry, Stark, Trumbull, Tuscarawas, Vinton and Washington.

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.

Last Modified: Thursday, 04-Nov-2004 17:02:31