Small amount of disaster assistance awarded locally
More than $14 million in state and federal disaster assistance has been issued across the state to persons hit hard by the tornados and floods which ripped across the Midsouth last month.
Sharing a relatively small piece of the pie is Warren County where 38 households have received disaster assistance totaling $31,333. The number pales in comparison to Madison County where tornadoes ravaged numerous houses and businesses. A total of $6.9 million in aid has been earmarked for Madison County thus far.
Last month’s storms produced numerous tornadoes across the state, with the destruction they caused followed by torrential rains. In Warren County, a state-high 11.14 inches of rain fell within a week’s time, most coming within a three-day period. The county did, however, avoid tornado damage.
At this point, the Federal Emergency Management Agency says it has received 9,000 applications for assistance state-wide.
In addition to households, the U.S. Small Business Administration has also received 5,175 applications for damaged businesses.
Applications are still being accepted by FEMA through July 7. Registration may be done by calling 1-800-621-FEMA or 1-800-462-7585 for the hearing impaired.
In addition to the recent relief, the Farm Service Agency has announced it is offering loans to farmers hit by earlier storms occurring Feb. 14-26.
Those qualifying may borrow up to 100 percent of their actual production loss. However, these loans are only available to those who cannot obtain the necessary credit from lenders in the local area.
For farmer losses call 473-6511. The deadline is Nov. 12.