AUG. 11 DEADLINE TO FILE FOR FEMA FLOOD AID

Federal Emergency Management Agency officials said Aug. 11 is the last day Missouri residents can file applications for most disaster programs.

"Anyone who wishes to apply for the Individual and Family Grant program and-or disaster housing assistance must do so on or before the deadline," said Warren Pugh, federal coordinating officer. "Applications for Small Business Administration loans must be returned to the SBA by Aug. 11 to qualify."

People needing assistance may apply for aid by calling the toll-free registration number 1-800-462-9029. Those who are hearing- or speech-impaired may call 1-800-462-7585. Damage must have occurred from May 13 through June 23 to qualify.

President Clinton's original declaration on June 2 enabled 12 counties to receive federal disaster assistance through the Public Assistance Program. By mid-June, 40 counties and the city of St. Louis had been added either for individual assistance, public assistance or both. In July, more Missouri counties were added, bringing to 62 the number of counties eligible for state and federal assistance in the wake of this spring's severe weather and flooding.

People with questions about the disaster assistance programs should call the disaster information hotline at 1-800-525-0321. Those with hearing or speech impairments can call 1-800-660-8005.