Federal Disaster Aid in Michigan Tops $84 Million

WARREN, Mich. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that nearly $84 million in federal disaster grants and loans has been approved for Michigan survivors of the Aug. 11-13 storms and flooding.

As of close of business Oct. 16:

• Nearly 80,000 Michigan residents in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties have registered for federal disaster assistance;

• Nearly $56 million has been approved for housing assistance, including rental assistance and home repair costs;

• More than $17 million has been approved to cover other essential disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses, lost personal possessions and child care;

• More than $11 million in low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters, businesses and private nonprofit organizations has been approved by the U.S. Small Business Administration;

• More than 100 disaster survivor assistance specialists are in the affected communities and available to explain the types of disaster assistance;

• 3,177 residents have visited four Disaster Recovery Centers in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties since they opened in early October;

• 2,845 people have received rebuilding advice from mitigation specialists located at home improvement big-box stores and special events in the affected communities;

• Housing inspectors in the field have completed nearly 67,000 inspections of damaged properties.

Residents can register at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via a smart phone or Web-enabled device at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 800-621-3362. TTY users may call 800-462-7585. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. EDT seven days a week until further notice.