| Application Deadline Approaching As Minnesota Disaster Assistance Tops $ 3.4 Million
Release Date: November 8, 2004
Release Number: 1569-018 |  |
» More Information on Minnesota Severe Storms and Flooding
OWATONNA, Minn. -- With the December 6 application deadline less than one month away, Minnesota residents affected by September’s severe storms and flooding have been approved for more than $3.4 million in disaster assistance to date, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Minnesota Department of Public Safety Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM).
Applications are still being received for disaster assistance that was made available with the Presidential disaster declaration of one month ago. For those who have already applied for assistance, grants totaling $3,329,176 have been approved.
Disaster recovery officials urge anyone who suffered damage or loss in the severe storms and flooding that occurred between September 14-27 to apply for assistance by calling the toll-free application number,
1-800-621-FEMA (3362). The number for those with speech or hearing impairment is TTY 1-800-462-7585. Both phone lines are open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week until further notice. Individuals may also apply online at www.fema.gov. The last day to apply for assistance is December 6, 2004.
The following is a summary of assistance efforts as of close of business November 7:
- 1,454 individuals in seven disaster-declared Minnesota counties have applied for federal and state assistance (see page two for a county breakdown of assistance)
- $2,532,399 approved in Housing Assistance grants for temporary rental assistance and essential home repairs
- $ 796,777 approved in Other Needs Assistance grants for necessary expenses and serious needs caused by the disaster
- 1,335 applications for U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest disaster loans have been issued - for homeowners, renters and businesses of any size. A total of
$86,700 in SBA loans has been approved.
Disaster Assistance Grants By County
(All figures are as of close of business Sunday, Nov. 7)
| County |
Applications Received |
Housing Assistance
Grants Approved |
Housing Assistance
Amount Approved |
Other Needs Assistance
Grants Approved |
Other Needs Assistance
Amount Approved |
| Dodge |
35 |
27 |
$81,962 |
9 |
$3,558 |
| Faribault |
314 |
193 |
$484,220 |
85 |
$76,764 |
| Freeborn |
430 |
311 |
$830,836 |
157 |
$285,157 |
| Martin |
17 |
7 |
$25,769 |
2 |
$532 |
| Mower |
485 |
310 |
$786,457 |
141 |
$360,060 |
| Olmstead |
15 |
5 |
$6,659 |
2 |
$2,451 |
| Steele |
158 |
117 |
$316,495 |
52 |
$68,255 |
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 Citizen Corps, the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
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