LAWRENCE COUNTY Seek funds, FEMA officials urge residents

By LAURE CIOFFI
VINDICATOR NEW CASTLE BUREAU
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- Officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency are going door-to-door in Lawrence County to let people know they may qualify for federal grants and loans.
George Graham of FEMA is encouraging people to call (800) 621-3362 to apply for the funding to repair property damaged in the Sept. 18 storm.
"It's your federal money that you've paid into all of your life coming back to work for you," he said.
Lawrence County was one of eight additional counties that were declared federal disaster areas Saturday.
Graham said they want to ensure that everyone gets into the agency's system. Grants ranging from $5,000 to $26,000 are available.
He said even those who have private insurance can apply. FEMA grants often fill in gaps left in funding by private insurers, Graham said.
Visiting sites
A FEMA representative will visit each site damaged by the storms and could provide money for temporary housing.
He said even if a person is initially turned down for a grant, they should fill out a loan application from the U.S. Small Business Association. He said after that application is reviewed, residents may then become eligible for FEMA grants depending on their level of debt.
"Each person will be treated for their individual circumstances," he said.
He noted that Lawrence County residents can go directly to a disaster recovery center at the Northern Lights shopping plaza in Beaver County if they don't want to call.
He said about 500 people have reported damages to Lawrence County Emergency Management Agency from the recent rainstorms to the county.
cioffi@vindy.com