Total Hurricane Dennis Assistance Nears $59M Mark

Funds continue to flow to the area and people impacted by Hurricane Dennis, according to officials of the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Florida State Emergency Response Team.

Since the July 10 presidential disaster declaration:

* $38,540,000 has been approved for Public Assistance. Applicants, including units of local government, in 20 counties (Bay, Calhoun, Dixie, Escambia, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Monroe, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Taylor, Wakulla, Walton and Washington) are eligible for funds for emergency services and debris removal and to help restore or rebuild essential public facilities.
* Homeowners, renters and business owners in 10 designated counties (Bay, Dixie, Escambia, Franklin, Gulf, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Taylor, Wakulla and Walton) are eligible for Individual Assistance, including grants and SBA low-interest loans to help with losses.
* $19,988,788 had been approved for Individual Assistance by the close of business Wednesday, Aug. 24. So far, 38,538 applicants have registered with FEMA, including 19,936 who received rental, housing and other needs assistance.
* 16,984 individuals have visited Disaster Recovery Centers.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved 340 low-interest disaster loans totaling $7,967,700. SBA representatives are available at any of the federal/state recovery centers or SBA workshops located throughout the declared area.

Individuals and business owners who suffered damage because of Hurricane Dennis may still register by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or register online at www.fema.gov. For the hearing and speech impaired, the TTY number is 1-800-462-7585. Phone lines are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (EDT), and closed on weekends.