FEMA taps Gregg County for flood aid

March 30--Six more Texas counties can now apply for disaster assistance following an addition to the March 19 declaration by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The news launched a flurry of emails over the weekend as City of Kilgore employees worked to notify homeowners impacted by the floodwaters of March 9.

It's good news for the municipality as well, with some reimbursement available for public entities.

According to a FEMA news release out of Austin, the agency responded to a request from the State of Texas and added Gregg County along with Erath, Harrison, Hood, Marion and Parker to the federal disaster declaration of three counties (Jasper, Newton and Orange) already approved for 'Individual Assistance and Public Assistance.'

"Texans who suffered damage or losses as a result of the severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding that began on March 7, are encouraged to apply for assistance," the agency reported. "Disaster assistance for homeowners and renters may include grants to help pay for temporary housing and essential home repairs, as well as other serious disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses.

"Those who had flood or storm damage should register with FEMA even if they have insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but under-insured applicants may be eligible for help after their insurance claims have been settled."

The City of Kilgore issued a quick advisory about the development March 26.

"If you received ANY damage," local officials emphasized, "to your home or property from the severe weather on Wednesday, March 9 and reside in Gregg County you can start registering for FEMA Assistance..."

Those affected are encouraged to apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or call 800-621-3352. Toll-free assistance is available from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

According to FEMA, "Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are available for eligible survivors. SBA helps businesses of all sizes (including landlords), private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. Disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries."

In such cases, FEMA encouraged calls to SBA's Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at 800- 659-2955 or email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Online help is available at disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339.

"The nine designated counties are also eligible for Public Assistance (Categories A and B)," according to the agency's release. "The Public Assistance program reimburses state and local governments and certain private non-profit organizations, such as school districts, 75 percent of disaster-related expenses to help Texas communities recover.

"The cost of debris removal and emergency protective services, such as police overtime for extra work caused from responding to the disaster, may be eligible for reimbursement."

Rusk County has not yet been added to the disaster declaration, Kilgore Fire Department Administrative Assistant Kristi Simpson noted in a mass email.

The city's go-to contact during recovery from the floods, Simpson urged locals to call her at 903-988- 4112 with any questions.

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