For Further Information, Contact:
FEMA - Carol Hector-Harris (540) 988-8418  
VDEM - Janet Clements        (804) 897-6510
SBA - Colleen Hiam                (716) 282-4612

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    September 7, 2001
    FEMA-1386DR-VA-NR41

TAZEWELL, VA. -- Southwest Virginians are on the road to recovery. According to state and federal officials, $4,411,859 in federal and state assistance has been sent to victims whose lives were impacted by the floods to help them make repairs to their homes and to replace some of their losses.

Since the initial July 12 presidential disaster declaration, 1,825 residents have registered with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) by calling the toll-free number, 1-800-462-9029 (TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the speech or hearing impaired). Those lines remain open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

"We are pleased that every day, more and more families are calling to register for assistance with FEMA," said Federal Coordinating Officer Marianne Jackson. "The toll-free number is the one-stop shop that paves the way to all of the help that is available to assist individuals, families and businesses recover from the disaster."

"Although the deadline to apply is more than a month away, we don't want anyone who suffered a loss to delay in making that phone call," said Deputy State Coordinating Officer Harry Colestock. "The sooner you apply and are found eligible, the sooner you'll receive a check to help you start to get back on your feet."

A look at disaster totals from Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Smyth, Tazewell and Wise counties:

Total approved federal and state funding includes the following components:

• Grants totaling $2,442,664 for 1,293 applicants for emergency housing or essential repairs to make their property habitable.
• Grants totaling $799,195 for 266 eligible individuals and families to cover immediate needs or necessary expenses not covered by other programs or insurance.
• Low-interest loans totaling $970,000 for 71 loans to homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

The Tazewell Disaster Recovery Center at 607 Market St., North Tazewell, in the former Food Lion building, is staffed by federal and state experts who can help registrants update their applications, answer their questions and explain the details of all of the disaster recovery programs. The center is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Representatives from the SBA are available to answer questions, help complete disaster loan forms and accept completed applications. Victims can also call the SBA at 1-800-659-2955 and speak directly with a loan officer if they are not able to visit the center.

Residents who have already registered with FEMA but cannot visit the Center can call the Helpline at 1-800-525-0321, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ###