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Friday, October 11, 2024

Federal Support for Spokane County Wildfire Survivors Surpasses $2.6 Million

When the Gray and Oregon Road wildfires struck Spokane County in August, entire neighborhoods were evacuated, thousands of acres of rural farmland and forests were scorched, and 360 structures destroyed.

President Biden signed a Federal Disaster Declaration, and the delivery of recovery resources is now well underway  for Spokane County residents affected by the wildfires.

FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration have approved more than $2.6 million in federal assistance for eligible homeowners, renters and businesses, both insured and underinsured. That number includes:

  • $2.2 million in FEMA housing and other assistance
  • $485,500 in home and business loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration, the largest source of federal disaster recovery funds for homeowners, renters, businesses and certain nonprofits.

As of April 1, 115 households have been approved for FEMA grant funding including:

  • More than $1.7 million in housing grants, including short-term rental assistance and home-repair costs
  • More than $443,700 for other essential disaster-related needs, such as expenses related to medical, dental  and lost personal possessions.

More than 200 home inspections have been completed to assess property damage. Two Disaster Recovery Centers, located in the communities of Medical Lake and Elk, have logged more than 583 survivor visits. At the centers, residents may speak in person to representatives from federal and state programs and local organizations.

In partnership with the State of Washington, Spokane County, and local officials, FEMA will continue helping individuals and families get back on their feet and into secure housing until the job is done.

Homeland Security Today
Homeland Security Todayhttp://www.hstoday.us
The Government Technology & Services Coalition's Homeland Security Today (HSToday) is the premier news and information resource for the homeland security community, dedicated to elevating the discussions and insights that can support a safe and secure nation. A non-profit magazine and media platform, HSToday provides readers with the whole story, placing facts and comments in context to inform debate and drive realistic solutions to some of the nation’s most vexing security challenges.

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