FEMA Aid for Maine County Near $424,000

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) have approved $423,909.43 in assistance to individuals in the first week since President Bush issued a major disaster declaration for Aroostook County.

"This is a positive sign that the recovery process has begun," said Governor Baldacci. "We will be there with Aroostook County every step of they way."

To date, 254 households have registered for assistance and 169 have visited Disaster Recovery Centers. Individuals may register for assistance online at www.fema.gov or by calling toll-free 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week.

Under the Individuals and Households Program, disaster assistance may be used for temporary housing; the repair of disaster-damaged, uninsured homes to a safe, sanitary and functional condition and for serious, disaster-related needs and expenses not covered by insurance or other assistance programs.

FEMA disaster assistance covers basic needs only and will not normally compensate those affected by disaster for their entire loss. For those with insurance, the government may help pay for basic needs not covered by insurance. FEMA's temporary housing and financial assistance for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, an applicant must complete an SBA loan application to be eligible for assistance that covers real estate, business losses, personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.