FEMA reverses decision, expands aid

HELP FOR TORNADO VICTIMS

By Scott Moyers ~ Southeast Missourian

The Federal Emergency Management Agency reversed itself on Wednesday, announcing that federal assistance would be expanded to include homeowners, renters and businesses in 19 Southeast Missouri counties affected by severe storms and tornadoes last month.

After initially ruling that such aid would only be available to state and local governments in five counties, FEMA director Joe Allbaugh issued a written statement that he approved the additional assistance based on further review of the damage and because of needs made clear by Missouri's Congressional delegation in Washington.

U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson spoke to FEMA staff and Allbaugh Wednesday morning, and U.S. Sen. Kit Bond testified before the Senate Appropriations subcommittee where he questioned the wisdom of not providing help to those who need it.

Both sent letters to the FEMA director as well.

"When we heard what was happening, we were pretty alarmed," Emerson said. "I expressed my extreme displeasure and told them I was unhappy about all the hoops these people were having to jump through."

The news was a delight to those in Marble Hill, who were hit hard by a tornado on April 28 that destroyed 15 homes, damaged several others and killed 12-year-old Billy Hoover.

"You've got to have faith and be patient," said Marble Hill resident Betty Hastings, who had the top half of her house ripped off by the tornado. "But we have taxes, and this is what our taxes are supposed to go for. This is for the people. If the government eases my pain and I can get back some of what I had, I'll be a happy person."

Beginning today, residents and business owners in 19 counties can call 1-800-621-3362 to apply for assistance. Those counties include: Bollinger, Butler, Carter, Howell and Madison, and the contiguous counties of Cape Girardeau, Douglas, Dunklin, Iron, Oregon, Ozark, Perry, Reynolds, Ripley, Shannon, St. Francois, Stoddard, Texas, and Wayne.

Operators will answer at that number from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.

Getting grants, loans

The additional assistance includes grants to help pay for temporary housing, emergency home repairs and other serious disaster-related expenses. Low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration will be available to cover residential and business losses not fully insured.

Grants of up to $14,800 for uninsured residents are available to help pay for basic needs like refrigerators, stoves and beds. Such grants would not have to be paid back, but applicants must meet income and household-size requirements. Up to an $10,000 additionally could be given for home repairs and items associated with housing, such as the cost of staying at a hotel while repairing a home.

Marble Hill officials who had been upset about the first declaration were also gratified to hear some good news after a hard few weeks.

"It's just excellent," said Jim Bollinger, Bollinger County fire chief and emergency management director. "The victims are the ones who need it more than anybody."

Bollinger said it's been a disconcerting 24 hours. On Tuesday, it looked bleak for residents who were told that the storm-damaged counties had too much insurance and the damage was not widespread enough.

"I'm glad to hear it, but we would rather have heard it first," he said. "But if they're getting it, great. I think it's fantastic. People sure need it."

Loyd Green is the pastor of Point Pleasant General Baptist Church, where many of the victims attend. He was overjoyed to hear that the residents will get help.

"It will mean a lot," he said. "They are poor people. They had very little and they lost everything. They'll be glad to get it."

smoyers@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 137