$4.3 Million Approved for Disaster Recovery Assistance

A total of $4,299,257.21 in Individual and Households Program (IHIP) grants has been approved for disaster assistance in Ohio since the presidential declaration of Feb. 15, according to figures released by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Ohio Emergency Management Agency (Ohio EMA). The presidential declaration covers the period of Dec. 22, 2004 through Feb. 1, 2005.

The following is an update of recovery activities as of close of business Sunday, March 20:

* 5,055 individuals from the 32 declared counties have applied for assistance;
* 2,537 claims have been approved for the Individuals and Household Program totaling $4,299,257.21 in grants;
* 702 people have visited one of the 12 Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) that were temporarily opened in various locations to help meet the needs of disaster victims;
* 2,775 home loan and 346 business loan applications have been issued by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

The SBA has issued 2,775 low-interest loan applications to homeowners, renters and business owners throughout Ohio. Officials urge affected residents to complete and return 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, eligibility for other forms of disaster assistance may be affected.