Disaster Assistance for Floods over $9 Million
Olympia—Officials of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Washington Emergency Management Division (WEMD) today announced that $9 million in federal disaster assistance has been disbursed since the Presidential disaster declaration was issued on January 30, 2009. There are 3,364 homeowners and renters who have applied for disaster assistance, and inspectors have visited 2,718 homes. Grants awarded to date total $6,871,317, which includes:
• $6,247,084 in housing assistance to cover temporary rental assistance, home repairs and replacement
• $ 624,233 in other needs assistance to cover essential personal property losses, medical, dental, funeral, transportation or serious disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance
In addition, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has awarded $ 2,233,900 in low-interest disaster loans to cover residential and business losses not covered by insurance or other compensation, bringing the total of disaster assistance so far to $9,105,217.
While all FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) are now closed, people are still encouraged to apply at 1-800-621-3362 (FEMA) (TTY 1-800-462-7585) from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week, or to register online at www.disasterassistance.gov. The deadline to register for disaster assistance is
March 31.
People who have received or will receive SBA applications are strongly urged to complete and immediately return their SBA applications. Even if they do not want a loan, submitting a loan application is a requirement for further disaster assistance.
Residents of the following designated counties are eligible to apply: Benton, Cowlitz, Clallam, Grays Harbor, King, Kittitas, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, Pierce, Skagit, Snohomish, Thurston, Wahkiakum and Whatcom, counties designated for disaster assistance, are eligible for disaster assistance.
FEMA leads and supports the nation in a risk-based, comprehensive emergency management system of preparedness, protection, response, recovery, and mitigation to reduce the loss of life and property and protect the nation from all hazards including natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters.
FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA loan officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.
The Small Business Administration (SBA) is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private nonprofit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts, and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover uninsured and uncompensated losses and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. Homeowners, renters and business owners with questions for the SBA should call the Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 (TTY 1-800-877-8339).
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