Welcome to Skagit County

December 9, 2003

DISASTER AID NEARS $3 MILLION FOR WASHINGTON RESIDENTS

EVERETT. WA – Families and individuals who suffered damage from the October 15 – 23 severe storms continue to receive assistance from state, federal, local and voluntary agencies.

Residents of Chelan, Clallam, Grays Harbor, Island, Jefferson, King, Kitsap, Mason, Okanogan, Pierce, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish, Thurston and Whatcom counties who suffered damage from the October storms may be eligible for federal and state assistance and are encouraged to call the toll-free number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) to apply. The registration number for the speech and hearing impaired is TTY 1-800-462-7585.

Registration phone lines are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. until further notice and the deadline to submit an application for assistance is January 6, 2004.

Recovery services summary as of 7:00 a.m., Friday, December 5, 2003:

1,139 registrations have been received through the FEMA toll free registration number 800-621-FEMA (3362), TTY: 800-462-7585.
97 percent of FEMA damage inspections issued have been completed.
$1,952,878 from the Individuals and Households Program has been disbursed to the victims.
$920,700 in Small Business Administration (SBA) loans has been approved for homeowners, renters and businesses.
182 SBA loan applications have been received.
The Disaster Unemployment Assistance program (DUA) may be available to residents out of work due to the October storms, living or working in the 15 counties that were declared disaster areas. Applicants should contact their local WorkSource Center. The deadline to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is Dec. 18.

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 National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.