Friday, July 3, 2009 9:20 AM CDT

U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson, R-Cape Girardeau, announced that FEMA Individual Assistance grants have been made available to Missouri residents who were affected by the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding of May 8 to May 16.

“These grants are open to anyone in the disaster-declared counties who had expenses for temporary housing, repairs or replacement of personal property as a direct result of the storms in our region. The FEMA program covers a wide range of disaster recovery-related expenses, so anyone who thinks they may qualify should contact the agency and begin the process,” Emerson said.

FEMA operates a Web site and hotline for registration with the program, at www.disasterassistance.gov and 1-800-621-FEMA.

“The recovery process can be a long one, and I am very glad this emergency grant program has been made available to the Missourians who incurred great expenses as a result of the disaster that may not all be covered by property insurance,” Emerson said. “Many residents are still working hard to repair their homes and property, and many more are helping their neighbors do so. This program will offer the extra assistance they need and deserve to get the job done.”

Renters, homeowners, businesses and non-profit organizations may also be eligible for low-interest loans from the Small Business Administration under the disaster declaration. More information on this program is available from the SBA at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance or by phone at 1-800-659-2955.

Individual Assistance is available in the following counties in the Eighth Congressional District: Bollinger, Cape Girardeau, Dent, Douglas, Howell, Iron, Madison, Ozark, Reynolds, Ripley, St. Francois, Shannon, Texas and Washington.

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