Tuesday, July 25, 2000

Untitled Document

Flood victim count at 262 in county

By LEE BONORDEN

Austin Daily Herald

The number of flood victims in Mower County has risen to 262.

According to the latest Federal Emergency Management Agency report, 141 of the 262 victims who registered for assistance have been approved.

The amount of assistance approved by FEMA in Mower County is $242,794.

The Mower County totals more than double those received from Fillmore and Houston counties.

In Fillmore County, 112 people have registered for disaster assistance and 43 have been approved for $86,092. In Houston County, 19 victims registered and four were approved for $14,065 in assistance.

The three-county totals are 393 victims registered, 188 approved and a total of $342,951 in assistance approved for distribution by FEMA.

The Minnesota totals are 2,860 victims registered, 1,434 approved for assistance and a total amount of $2,190,623 in approved financial aid.

In the four counties of Clay, Becker, Mahnomen and Norman, 1,694 victims sought financial assistance and 909 have been approved for $1.12 million in aid.

Meanwhile, in Dakota County, 773 registered and 337 were approved for $342,951 in aid.

The totals were reported as of Sunday.

Beginning today, the first disaster recovery center is being opened in the area for flood victims.

The center is located at Fillmore Central Elementary School in Preston 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

On Wednesday and Thursday, a disaster recovery center will open in Austin at the National Guard Armory, also 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Flood victims will be able to receive information from state of Minnesota, FEMA and Small Business Administration representatives about insurance and public health issues, disaster housing, Individual and Family Grant programs, repair, construction and weatherproofing of homes and SBA disaster programs.

According to Sam Ventura, a FEMA spokesman, the grants approved to eligible flood victims are for temporary rental assistance or emergency essential repairs.

He reminded all that the recovery process begins with a single toll-free call to FEMA (800) 462-9029.

Red Cross consolidates

Beginning today, the American Red Cross is consolidating services for local flood victims.

Individuals affected by the July 9-10 rain storms and flooding may call (877) 907-9721 for assistance.

The consolidation affects both Mower County victims as well as those in the Burnsville area of Dakota County.

In Austin, the Mower County American Red Cross office is located at 305 Fourth Ave. NW, or by calling 437-4589.