Critical funds will help Homes and Business in the Community Rebuild

 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) today hailed the release of critical federal flood aid after President Obama approved a Major Federal Disaster Declaration in the wake of ongoing flooding in our region. The President’s action makes Individual Assistance (IA) Programs available to affected homeowners, renters and businesses in our community.

“Even as the rain continues to fall, with this declaration, we can immediately begin getting help to those who need it most,” said Markey. “This funding will go a long way toward rebuilding our homes and business and continuing to respond to this ongoing event. I am very grateful to President Obama for acting swiftly to send help to those affected by this devastating storm.”

This critical funding will assist individuals and businesses in their recovery from this storm. The available Individual Assistance Programs administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Small Business Administration (SBA) include Individuals and Households Programs (IHP), Disaster Unemployment Assistance, Crisis Counseling, Legal Assistance, Tax Relief, and Small Business Administration Disaster Loans.

Individuals and business owners, who sustained losses in the designated counties, can initiate the application for assistance process by calling the FEMA Teleregistration numbers: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired or registering on-line at www.fema.gov. The toll-free Teleregistration numbers will operate Monday through Friday from 7:00am to 1:00am, on weekends - Saturday and Sunday from 7:00am to 10:00pm, until further notice.

Last week, Rep. Markey joined Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.), Gov. Deval Patrick and the entire Massachusetts congressional delegation in urging President Obama to support the state’s application for a Presidential declaration.

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