Nearly $1.6 Million Approved for Va. Jeanne Recovery

Federal and state disaster officials announced that almost $1.6 million in assistance grants and loans has been approved for Virginia victims of Tropical Depression Jeanne since the Oct. 18 presidential declaration.

Here is a summary of activities for the period ending Nov. 15, 2004:

In the 27 days since President Bush signed the disaster declaration, 964 homeowners, renters and businesses have registered for disaster assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

FEMA and Virginia have approved $1,576,612 to pay for temporary housing, basic home repairs and essential needs. This figure includes $1,048,412 for housing assistance and $528,190 for other needs.

This is the breakdown of assistance by locality:

Alleghany County: $59,381
Botetourt County: $17,331
Craig County: $17,153
Floyd County: $35,948
Giles County: $16,755
Montgomery County: $ 46,646
Patrick County: $ 84,463
Roanoke City: $304,057
Roanoke County: $398,358
Salem City: $596,516

The U.S. Small Business Administration has sent out 554 disaster loan applications and approved $17,400 in low interest loans. These loans serve as the government’s primary form of long-term recovery assistance. Individuals who do not qualify for a loan may be considered for a grant to cover serious unmet disaster-related needs, but first they must complete the SBA loan application.

Individuals who sustained damage from Jeanne, are encouraged to apply for assistance by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the hearing and speech impaired. Telephone lines are open from 6 a.m. until midnight. They may also apply on-line at www.fema.gov.

Farmers who had damage from Tropical Storm Jeanne to their primary residence should register with FEMA. If access to the primary residence is limited due to storm damage, they should also register with FEMA. For other agriculture damage, farmers should contact their Farm Service Agency office.

The disaster declaration covers the cities of Salem and Roanoke and the counties of Alleghany, Botetourt, Craig, Roanoke, Montgomery, Giles, Patrick and Floyd.