Governor Gilmore Announces Federal Approval of Disaster Declaration for Tazewell County

Governor Gilmore Announces Federal Approval of Disaster Declaration for Tazewell County

RICHMOND, VA - Virginia Governor Jim Gilmore today announced that President Bush has granted a major disaster declaration for Tazewell County due to the recent flash flooding. The declaration will implement the Individual Assistance program for those people affected by the heavy rains that hit the Tazewell area on July 8, 2001.

"I appreciate President Bush's quick response to my request for a federal disaster declaration," Governor Gilmore said. "The flooding in the Tazewell area was devastating to hundreds of residents and business owners. The assistance programs available under this disaster declaration will play a big part in helping flood victims recover from the effects of this destructive storm."

The disaster declaration makes assistance available to support the recovery needs of affected residents and businesses. Housing assistance is available for people who have been forced from their homes due to disaster damage. In addition, low interest loans are available for individuals and businesses to help cover uninsured losses. Grants for home repairs and other serious disaster-related needs may also be available. Also approved by this declaration is the Hazard Mitigation Assistance program, which will help with damage reduction initiatives for future disasters. The Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Virginia Department of Emergency Management will be working cooperatively on these disaster assistance programs.

Residents and business owners who suffered damages in Tazewell County may apply for assistance immediately by calling the toll-free registration number, 1-800-462-9029, between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Those with speech or hearing impairments may call a special TTY number at 1-800-462-7585. People applying for disaster assistance should have their social security number, telephone number, some simple directions for getting to their home and knowledge of their insurance coverage

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