By GINA KINSLOW
Glasgow Daily Times
GLASGOW —
Those affected by the early May floods can still register for assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency, however, the deadline to register is less than a week away.
FEMA will accept registrations until 7 p.m. on July 12.
“People who had sustained damage from the May 1-2 flood and are located in a declared county in Kentucky have until July 12, to register for disaster aid by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or going on line at www.disasterassistance.gov There is no assistance unless you register, so don't wait, do it now. Don't let the opportunity pass by,” said Michael Skeels, public information officer for FEMA.
Several people have already taken advantage of the opportunity to apply for assistance.
In Barren County, 113 have registered for disaster aid. In Hart County, 54; in Metcalfe County, 87; and in Monroe County, 60.
“To date $18.3 million has been disbursed for individual assistance in the commonwealth of Kentucky,” Skeels said. “A FEMA Individual Assistance Grant is a maximum of $29,000 per household. This fiscal year, the actual amount received is related to the actual loss to the property and does not duplicate insurance or other assistance. FEMA assistance is designed to be a hand up to recover from a disaster and to provide, safe, sanitary and secure living conditions.”
Project worksheets for public assistance, which is money that goes directly to cities and counties to cover damages to roads, bridges and public buildings, are still being written.
“FEMA funds 75 percent of the costs for these projects. The remaining cost is shared between the applicant and the commonwealth. The commonwealth of Kentucky administers this program and cost information will be available when the process is completed,” he said.
The most common question FEMA representatives receive is “am I eligible?” Skeels said.
Doug Mayne, federal coordinating officer for FEMA, said in a press release, “We can’t help you if we don’t know you need help.”
John Heltzel, director of the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management, said in the press release, “We want to make sure that every Kentuckian that is eligible receives the disaster aid they need. Tell your friends, neighbors and relatives they must register with FEMA before the deadline.”
