FEMA disaster relief hits $1.3 million per day; hydrologists on the way [View All]

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FEMA disaster relief hits $1.3 million per day; hydrologists on the way
The Capital Times — 7/05/2008 9:18 am

National and state emergency management officials are sending hydrologists into several Wisconsin counties to rectify the problem of standing water, the Federal Emergency Management Agency field office in Madison announced Friday.

The hydrologists will come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the the U.S. Geological Service. Pumping is not a viable option because studies show that water tables are high because rivers remain above flood stage, the FEMA news release said.

Meanwhile, disaster funds for state residents affected by severe storms and flooding in the last month has hit $1.3 million per day, according to FEMA. More than $26 million has been distributed for housing and other needs since Wisconsin was nationally declared a disaster area on June 14.

According to FEMA, as of July 3:

27,351 residents have registered for Individual Assistance in the 29 declared Wisconsin counties.

$23.3 million in Individual Assistance has been allocated for temporary housing and repair and replacement of storm-damaged housing.

$2.9 million has been provided for other disaster needs such as transportation, medical and dental expenses, moving and storage fees, and replacement or repair of personal property.

22,847 home inspections have been completed.

3,895 individuals have visited the 12 Wisconsin Disaster Recovery Centers.

Wisconsin Emergency Management, FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration suggest residents and business owners in disaster-declared counties who have experienced damage to their homes or businesses as a result of the June storms apply for disaster assistance grants and low-interest SBA loans, according to a FEMA news release.

Storm- and flood-related damage may be reported by calling the toll-free registration number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Lines are open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Residents also may register online at www.fema.gov.

For loan information, call the SBA at 1-800-659-2955 or go to www.sba.gov. SBA customer service representatives are on site at the Disater Recover Centers as well.

http://www.madison.com/tct/news/weather/294815