Bush Grants NH Gov. Lynch’s Request For Tornado Disaster Declaration

Request for Public Assistance Granted; Request for Individual Assistance Denied; Governor Requests FEMA Damage Assessments for Flood Damage

August 11, 2008 -- CONCORD — President Bush today granted New Hampshire Governor John Lynch’s request for a major disaster declaration for damage caused by the recent tornado. The President granted The Governor’s request for public assistance, but not individual assistance.

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“FEMA’s damage assessment found that communities suffered major and costly damage,” Gov. Lynch said. “I’m pleased that President Bush has moved to issue this disaster declaration to provide financial assistance to communities."

President Bush’s disaster declaration will make public assistance available for impacted communities in Belknap, Carroll and Rockingham counties. Gov. Lynch’s original request for a disaster declaration included Merrimack and Strafford counties, which were not included in the President’s declaration. The state is asking FEMA to include Merrimack and Strafford counties in the declaration.

The declaration does not include individual assistance.

FEMA offers two primary types of assistance, public assistance – which helps the state and communities cover emergency operations, debris removal and repair costs; and individual assistance – which provides some emergency assistance to individuals, such as temporary housing, and will cover some – but not usually all – costs of the damage.

“I am disappointed the federal government will not be assisting the many New Hampshire families impacted by this severe weather, and we will be asking that the decision not to include individual assistance be reviewed. The State of New Hampshire will continue to work closely with local communities and volunteer organization to help ensure our citizens who were impacted by the storm get the assistance they need, ” Gov. Lynch said.

In addition, the State of New Hampshire has requested that FEMA conduct damage assessments for damage caused by flooding conditions since the July 24 tornado. FEMA assessment teams could begin their inspections of impacted areas as soon as this week.

“Recent storms have caused significant damage in many communities across New Hampshire, which is why we are asking FEMA to begin assessments to determine eligibility for federal assistance,” Gov. Lynch said.

People with tornado or flood-related questions or concerns can call the states information line at 1-888-330-6764.

Gov. Lynch also encourages citizens to consider contributing to the State of New Hampshire Disaster Relief Fund, which will help families impacted by the recent storms.

Donations to the relief fund can be made online at www.nh.gov, or by sending a check made out to:

New Hampshire Disaster Relief Fund
State of New Hampshire, Disaster Relief
25 Capitol Street, Room 121
Concord, NH 03301

Source: New Hampshire Governor