Today, U.S. Representative Harold "Hal" Rogers (KY-05) announced less than two weeks remain for families affected by the severe storms, tornadoes and floods that ravaged southern and eastern Kentucky counties between April 12 and May 20 to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for disaster assistance. The FEMA registration deadline for this disaster (DR-1976-KY) is July 18, 2011.

"So far, more than $7.8 million in individual assistance has been approved for the spring disaster," said Rogers. "Registration is the first step to receiving a wide range of possible assistance, but time is running out and I don't want any families to miss an opportunity for help."

FEMA disaster assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, replacement of essential household items and clothing, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster. Registration also is necessary to apply for SBA low interest disaster loans to cover losses not covered by insurance.

The July 18th registration deadline is for residents of 22 designated counties. The counties eligible for Individual Assistance (IA) in the Fifth Congressional District include Floyd, Johnson, Lawrence and Pike.

Public Assistance (PA) is also available to the following counties in the Fifth Congressional District: Bath, Clay, Floyd, Harlan, Johnson, Knott, Lawrence, Lee, Magoffin, Menifee, Morgan, Owsley, Perry and Rowan Counties.

All counties in the Commonwealth of Kentucky are eligible to apply for assistance under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.

To date:

• 1,824 Kentuckians in designated counties have registered for FEMA assistance.
• 1,024 applicants have been approved for aid as of June 30.
• 1,504 inspections of damaged properties have been conducted, including 63 in the last seven days.
• 1,205 U.S. Small Business Administration loan applications have been issued.
• 60 SBA loans have been approved, totaling $3,115,900.
• 42 Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) claims have been filed with the Kentucky Education and Workforce Cabinet , Office of Employment and Training.
• 29 DUA claims have been approved as of June 30.

To register or to have questions answered about FEMA disaster assistance applications, call 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY  800-462-7585. Registration is also available online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov. Information about the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the disaster loan application is available by calling 800-659-2955 or visiting SBA online at www.SBA.gov.

Additional information about this disaster (DR-1976-KY) is available at www.fema.gov and www.kyem.ky.gov.

Rogers has served Kentucky’s 5th Congressional District since 1981. With a focus on economic development, job creation, fighting illegal drugs and preserving Appalachia’s natural treasures, he has a reputation for listening to his constituents and fighting for the region he represents. For more information visit www.halrogers.house.gov.

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