FEMA grants $14.4 million in aid to Valley residents

In response to Hurricane Dolly, Cameron, Hidalgo and Willacy county residents have received slightly more than $14.4 million in aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for temporary housing, housing repairs and other needs.

Already, 22,098 residents in the three counties have registered for federal assistance: 11,652 in Cameron, 8,852 in Hidalgo, and 1,594 in Willacy County.

"I would encourage people to register," FEMA spokeswoman Patricia Brach said Monday.

Of the assistance that has been approved, nearly $7.7 million is for individuals in Cameron County, $6.1 million for Hidalgo County persons, and $663,500 for individuals in Willacy County.

"FEMA is here to help," Brach said. "Let us help you."

The deadline to apply for assistance from FEMA is Sept. 30. Individuals can register by contacting FEMA toll-free at (800) 621-FEMA (3362). Those with a speech or hearing impairment may call TTY (800) 462-7585.

People can also visit the Disaster Recovery Centers that have been established in the three counties.

Brach said that there are 206 FEMA inspectors covering the three counties. There have been 18,511 inspection orders issued, with 12,384 completed.

"We're here as long as we're needed," Brach said.

The assistance that FEMA already has approved does not include loans that the U.S. Small Business Administration is processing.

Assistance that the Federal Emergency Management Agency has provided to individuals in Cameron, Hidalgo, and Willacy counties in response to Hurricane Dolly through Aug. 10.

>$12,464,600 in housing assistance for lodging and repairs

>$1,964,700 in assistance for other needs

Source: Federal Emergency Management Agency