Pennsylvanians Receive More than a Quarter Billion Dollars in Disaster Aid
Pennsylvanians who suffered losses because of Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee have been approved for more than a quarter billion dollars in disaster relief. The amount approved is $276 million in aid to the residents and business owners in the Commonwealth – and the figure will continue to climb with the deadline extended to give more individuals a chance to apply.
The deadline to register for assistance has been extended to December 14, 2011.
“It’s a big number,” said Commonwealth Coordinating Officer John Forr. “What it shows is how extensive the storm damage was to homes and businesses in Pennsylvania. We are continuing to encourage anyone who had disaster losses to register to find out if they will be approved for a grant or for a U.S. Small Business Administration disaster loan, if they need to borrow.”
Here is a breakdown of disaster aid as of 11/13/11:
- $125.5 million in Individual Assistance grants approved;
- $115.3 million in housing assistance, including temporary housing and home repairs.
- $10.2 million in assistance for personal property, dental, medical and funeral costs and other serious disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance.
- $61.5 million in low-interest disaster loans approved by the U.S. Small Business Administration.
- $89 million in insurance claims settled by the National Flood Insurance Program.
- 91,336 persons registered with FEMA for disaster assistance.
- 26,598 persons visited Disaster Recovery Centers.
- 80,328 inspections of damaged properties completed.
“The fact FEMA is able to offer this amount of aid to thousands of people who were affected, does not lower our desire to get every eligible individual registered for help,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Thomas J. McCool. “We use every opportunity to tell people the deadline to apply can creep up very fast and they should register before it’s too late.”