Officials answer questions about obtaining aid after May floods

June 19--If anything was made clear at a town hall meeting in San Marcos Wednesday night, it was that unraveling the bureaucratic tape to get any money for destroyed property will be a long journey for flood victims.

Several officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the city of San Marcos, the U.S. Small Business Administration and other organizations answered numerous questions from a crowd of more than 100 people about relief funds and other aid available after the Memorial Day weekend flood.

Here were some of the more common questions asked during the town hall:

How do I contact FEMA?

A couple of ways. The fixed disaster recovery center in San Marcos is at 501 LBJ Drive. There are also two hotlines at 1-800-582-5233 and 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Registration can also be done online at disasterassistance.gov.

FEMA denied my claim. What's next?

Appeal and keep track of all documents. Claim denials may open up opportunities to grant assistance or low interest loans.

Should you apply for a disaster loan with the SBA?

Yes, according to Yolanda Stokes with the SBA. The terms on the loans are flexible and you are not required to accept one if you are approved. Interest rates are low and can help while insurance companies haggle over claims.

Are only businesses eligible for a small business loan?

No. Loans of up to $40,000 are available for renters, $240,000 for homeowners and up to $2 million for businesses, Stokes said.

Will the government clean up debris off of private property?

No, San Marcos Emergency Management Coordinator Ken Bell said. However, debris moved to the public right-of-way will be picked up.

What about debris on the riverfront?

Eventually, but not for a long time. Larger things like cars will be removed, but smaller pieces of debris on the riverfront fall under the jurisdiction of the National Resources Conservation Service, Bell said. That agency has not placed any feet on the ground yet and funding is not available.

Hall said it could be more than a year before that agency starts cleaning up the riverfront.

Who do I talk to about a dispute over whether a road is public or private for cleanup and repairs?

Your county commissioners and county judge. They have the power to make that decision. Contact information for those officials are on county websites.

Is FEMA the end-all be-all source for aid?

No. In fact, local volunteer groups may have thousands of dollars in aid to distribute. Many local charities are coordinating through Serve San Marcos. They can be contacted at 512-753-2320 between 9 a.m. and noon.

Is my premium with the National Flood Insurance Program about to skyrocket?

No. Premiums are not based on past claims, NFIP insurance specialist Larry Fordham said. The program bases premiums on a national perspective.

Is there any compensation for utility bills?

Yes. The Southside Community Center in San Marcos has some money to assist with electric bills. They are located at 518 S. Guadalupe St. and reachable in 512-392-6694. You must have a FEMA registration number and live in the flood zone.

If eligible, bills less than $150 will be paid in full. Bills more than $150 will be paid up to $200. Utility bills must be late to apply for FEMA grant money that Southside Community Center will distribute.

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