PATCHOGUE, NY – September 5, 2011 – (RealEstateRama) — Congressman Tim Bishop applauded the decision by FEMA to expand eligibility for Individual Assistance (IA) grants to Suffolk County homeowners and businesses who suffered damage from Tropical Storm Irene. Bishop appealed directly to President Obama for Suffolk to receive IA due to the severe damage to private property in coastal areas.
“This declaration will provide help for Suffolk County homeowners and businesses and makes sure our community is treated fairly by the federal government,” Congressman Bishop said. “I urge people to communicate with Suffolk County Fire Rescue and Emergency Services to report their damage, and apply directly on FEMA’s website to put themselves in the best position to qualify for assistance.”
On Tuesday, Congressman Bishop wrote President Obama urging approval of IA for Suffolk County. Suffolk County has already been approved for Public Assistance (PA), under which state and local governments can be reimbursed for costs incurred in responding to the storm.
“The assistance of FEMA and other federal agencies is urgently needed to prevent further infrastructure damage, ensure public health and safety, restore public utilities and transportation systems, and recover from tremendous public and private property damage,” Bishop wrote Tuesday.
Individual Assistance offers the possibility of several types of aid, including: Grants for home repairs and replacement of essential household items not covered by insurance to make damaged dwellings safe, sanitary and functional; Grants to replace personal property and help meet medical, dental, funeral, transportation and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance or other federal, state and charitable aid programs; Loans up to $2 million for small businesses; Low-interest loans to cover residential losses not fully compensated by insurance.
More information on the Individual Assistance program, including how to apply for aid, can be found at disasterassistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA.
