FEMA
AID TO TEXANS TOPS $12 MILLION AS STORMS CONTINUE
July 27, 2007
With parts of Texas continuing to experience record-breaking rainfall
and intense flooding, the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) says it has approved
a total of $10,088,447 in disaster housing assistance in the state and an additional $2,031,433 has been approved for Other
Needs Assistance (ONA). FEMA is coordinating recovery efforts with the Governor's Division of Emergency Management.
FEMA's Individual Assistance programs currently are available
to residents in 25 Texas counties: Archer, Bell, Brown, Burnet,
Cherokee, Comanche, Cooke, Coryell, Denton, Eastland, Grayson, Hamilton,
Hood, Lampasas, Llano, Parker, Runnels, Smith, Starr, Tarrant, Travis, Victoria,
Webb, Wichita and Williamson.
With more heavy rainfall expected across the state through
the weekend, Texas Gov. Rick Perry ordered search and rescue teams into position in San
Antonio. The forecast storm line stretches from Laredo to the Dallas area. The governor's office said the state will provide assistance
to these communities as local officials indicate the need for state help.
Two Texas Task Force 1 swift water rescue teams, and a
U.S. Coast Guard helicopter and swift water rescue team, have been pre-positioned in San
Antonio to assist with search and rescue operations as needed. Six Texas
Parks and Wildlife game wardens with three boats and a Texas Forest Service Incident
Management Team are also positioned in San Antonio and ready
for rapid deployment. Additionally, 60 Texas Military Forces soldiers and 20 high-profile vehicles are on standby if needed
to assist with response to heavy flooding and other emergencies. Voluntary organizations are also prepared to help if needed
to provide mass care support for residents.
As of July 26, 6,073 individuals and families affected
by recent flooding have registered for assistance through FEMA's toll-free registration line, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or by
going online to www.fema.gov. Individuals with speech or hearing impairment may call 1-800-462-7585 (TTY).
In addition, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
has approved $2,982,600 in disaster loan assistance.
