Nevada Governor Gibbons Announces Approval Of Federal Disaster Assistance

January 8, 2008 -- Carson City — Nevada Governor Jim Gibbons announced today that the President approved his request for a major disaster declaration for Lyon County. This declaration provides federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe winter storms and flooding beginning on January 5, 2008.

“This federal funding will begin providing immediate assistance to Fernley residents whose homes sustained damage during the flood,” said Governor Jim Gibbons. “I thank President Bush and FEMA for their partnership in our efforts to address the needs of Fernley residents impacted by the recent flood and for their prompt response to the state’s request for a major disaster declaration.”

Specifically, this action provides public assistance for damaged infrastructure (including buildings and roads), individual assistance for those who are underinsured or without any insurance, and assistance for state hazard mitigation.

Individual assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the losses incurred by the recent flooding.

“I have spoken with many displaced residents who are concerned because they do not have insurance coverage to provide the funds needed to repair the damage to their homes. I am pleased to announce that those residents will receive the assistance they need to repair damage sustained during the flood,” Governor Gibbons added.

Federal funding is also available to State and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations for repair or replacement of damaged infrastructure.

The Presidential disaster declaration will also provide funding for statewide hazard mitigation measures. This will allow the state to expand on current prevention and preparedness practices.

“As we recover from the severe winter storms and devastating flood in Fernley, the State of Nevada Department of Emergency Management continues to bolster prevention and preparedness efforts to ensure that we stand ready for any future emergency incidents,” Governor Gibbons concluded.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) stated that the residents and business owners who sustained losses within Lyon County can begin applying for assistance tomorrow by registering online at 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 will operate from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (local time).

Source: Nevada Governor