For Immediate Release:
Friday, April 14, 2006

WASHINGTON D.C - A federal disaster was declared late last night for Delaware County as a result of severe storms and tornadoes that hit the area on March 12.  Congressman Dan Boren expressed frustration with the delay in approving the state’s request for federal aid, but is pleased assistance is finally on the way.

 

“A month is a long time for people to wait to find out whether they will be getting assistance.  But I am confident, now that the declaration is in place, FEMA and our state emergency management officials will have the tools they need to help people get back on their feet,” Boren said.

 

Boren toured storm damage in Delaware County with Gov. Henry on March 17 – less than a week after the storms hit.  At that time he pledged to do whatever he could to provide federal assistance.  Boren has made that a top priority since then and recently spoke with acting FEMA Director David Paulison to discuss the importance of a disaster declaration for Delaware County.

 

“Between assisting Hurricane Katrina victims and responding to the continuing wildfires sweeping the state, the state’s resources have been overwhelmed.  This federal assistance is greatly needed,” Boren added.

 

The disaster declaration provides assistance that can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

 

Delaware County home and business owners who sustained losses from the March 12 storms can apply for assistance online at http://www.fema.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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