[StBernard] Governor Blanco signs FEMA-State agreement to provide aid to tornado victims in Jefferson, Orleans,

[Westley Annis]

Governor Blanco signs FEMA-State agreement to provide aid to tornado victims in Jefferson, Orleans, and St. Martin Parishes


BATON ROUGE - Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco today signed documents making aid available for those who suffered damage during this month's tornados. Gov. Blanco declared a state of emergency for Jefferson, Orleans, and St. Martin Parishes February 13, and sought a federal declaration, which President Bush signed February 23.

The agreement signed today between the State of Louisiana and the Federal Emergency Management Agency outline the federal-local cost share for assistance, making Individual Assistance and the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program available for the three parishes. 

How to Apply for Assistance:

*	Those in the parishes designated for assistance to affected residents and business owners can begin the disaster application process by registering online at http://www.fema.gov <http://www.fema.gov>  or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers are available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (local time) Monday through Saturday until further notice. Applicants registering for aid should be prepared to provide basic information about themselves (name, permanent address, phone number), insurance coverage and any other information to help substantiate losses.

*	Application procedures for local governments will be explained at a series of federal/state applicant briefings with locations to be announced in the affected area by recovery officials. Approved public repair projects are paid through the state from funding provided by FEMA and other participating federal agencies.

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