Governor Bentley Announces Approval of Federal Disaster Aid for 8 Counties

MONTGOMERY—Governor Robert Bentley and the Alabama Emergency Management Agency were informed Thursday night that federal disaster aid is being made available to supplement state and local recovery efforts in areas impacted by severe storms and tornadoes beginning Friday, April 15, and continuing.

"I thank the President for his approval of our much-needed request.  This federal declaration will allow Alabamians in the hardest hit counties to immediately begin the recovery process," said Governor Robert Bentley. " The financial impact to these counties has been great due to the severe weather.  I am thankful that Federal assistance is on the way."

Alabama Emergency Management Agency Director Art Faulkner said, “We appreciate the prompt action of our federal partners at FEMA. The losses have been devastating to so many and this will be one step in Alabama’s recovery. We will be working to assess damages in other counties in an effort to quickly get additional assistance for individuals that have lost so much.”

The counties Included in this declaration for assistance to individuals and households are Cullman, DeKalb, Franklin, Jefferson, Lawrence, Marshall, Tuscaloosa, and Walker. Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

Federal funding is also available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storms, tornadoes, straightline winds, and flooding in all 67 counties of Alabama.

Federal funding is available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

Joe M. Girot has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for Federal recovery operations in the affected area.

Residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated counties can begin applying for assistance on Friday, April 29 by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA(3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time).  Individuals must call this number or register online to begin the process to get assistance.