Previous Story
Federal aid to Saipan passes $25M
Federal aid to Typhoon Soudelor survivors on Saipan has passed $25 million.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved just over $20 million in Individual Assistance to households on the island, and the U.S. Small Business Administration has approved nearly $5.9 million in low-interest disaster loans to Saipan homeowners, renters, and businesses.
FEMA provides grants while SBA lends money at below-market rates to survivors.
FEMA has approved nearly $14.1 million in Household Assistance (HA) and more than $5.9 million in Other Needs Assistance (ONA). HA provides help such as rental assistance, reimbursement for lodging, and repairs to the damaged home. ONA may provide help, on a case-by-case basis, for miscellaneous personal property needs such as uninsured damage to an essential vehicle, disaster-related moving and storage expenses, and certain medical and dental expenses.
SBA approvals include 70 loans to homeowners and renters totaling nearly $2.3 million and 25 business loans for more than $3.6 million.
Saipan survivors can still register for disaster assistance until Oct. 5. Registering with FEMA starts the process toward both FEMA and SBA help. Survivors can register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-321-3362 (FEMA). Those with speech or hearing disability and use 711 or Video Relay Service can register through the regular 800 number, and those who use TTY can call 800-462-7585. (PR)
