Galveston County included in disaster declaration

[GalvestonDuck]

JULY 23, 2003, 12:00 PM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: John Simsen/PIO
281-309-5027

DISASTER ASSISTANCE

Galveston County has been added to the Presidential Disaster Declaration for individual assistance.

Residents and business owners who have damage to report and need assistance recovering from Hurricane Claudette should call 1-800-621-3362 as soon as possible.
Individuals may call the toll-free Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) help line from 8 AM to 6 PM, seven days a week.
It is important for residents and business owners to call and report damage to ensure qualification for low-interest loans and other federal aid for storm-related expenses.

[GalvestonDuck]

JULY 18, 2003, 5:30 PM


CLAUDETTE DAMAGE ESTIMATES COMPILED


Following are damage estimates for Hurricane Claudette as of 5 PM Friday for all cities and the unincorporated areas reporting damage.
Some data and numbers may be revised in the days ahead as damage assessments across Galveston County continue.
Texas Division of Emergency Management and Federal Emergency Management Agency officials will be in Galveston County this weekend examining damage from Claudette and collecting information that could lead to the county's inclusion in a presidential disaster declaration.
The declaration, which opens the door for counties to receive federal disaster assistance, currently includes five counties: Calhoun, Victoria, Jackson, Matagorda and Refugio.
However, more counties likely will be included in the declaration as citizens call the FEMA toll-free number and register for assistance. That number is 800-621-3362.

INDIVIDUAL ASSISTANCE ESTIMATES
SINGLE FAMILY HOMES: Destroyed, 11; major damage, 52; minor damage, 964; affected, 557.
BUSINESS LOSSES: Damage greater than 40%, 2; damage less than 40%, 31; estimated repair cost, $970,000.
BUSINESSES THAT CEASED OPERATIONS FOR A DAY OR MORE: 33
BUSINESSES EXPERIENCING ECONOMIC INJURY: 33
ESTIMATED # OF PERSONS UNEMPLOYED DUE TO DISASTER: 375

PUBLIC ASSISTANCE
(Infrastructure including roads, public buildings, etc.)
DEBRIS REMOVAL: $189,375
EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE MEASURES: $102,500
ROADWAYS: $437,500
BUILDINGS: $46,500
UTILITIES (sewer): $30,000
PARKS, BEACHES, RECREATIONAL FACILITIES: $2,733,200
TOTAL PUBLIC ASSISTANCE ESTIMATE: $3,539,075

[Toni - 574]

I am sure the assistance will be a blessing to a lot of people who suffered damage from this storm. No one needs to suffer lose like this for such an extended time frame.