Calif. Disaster Aid Tops $1.8M

In less than two weeks since Californians began registering for disaster assistance, more than $1.8 million in federal and state disaster assistance grants has been approved for people affected by this winter’s flooding, state and federal officials announced.

Since the federal disaster declaration requested by Governor Schwarzenegger was approved Feb. 3, nearly 1,900 people in the 10 eligible counties have registered for federal and state assistance online at www.fema.gov or by calling the toll-free number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585 . Both phone lines are open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

Inspectors from the Federal Emergency Management Agency have inspected 902 residences so far to determine the extent of damage and possible level of assistance.

The total approved includes $1,586,651 in federal disaster housing grants for 519 households, and $269,338 in federal and state funds to help 103 households meet other disaster-related needs, including replacement of lost personal property and disaster-related medical, dental and transportation expenses not covered by insurance of other sources.

To date, 580 people have visited the assistance centers set up to answer questions and provide information for registrants. The first centers opened Feb. 9, and centers are now operating in 10 counties, with hours of 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Homeowners, renters and business owners are eligible for assistance in Contra Costa, Del Norte, Lake, Marin, Mendocino, Napa, Sacramento, Siskiyou, Solano and Sonoma counties.