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Vallejo Times-Herald - Solano, Napa county households, individuals to get federal earthquake relief

October 28, 2014
News Articles

By Times-Herald Staff

Individuals and households impacted by the Aug. 24 South Napa earthquake can now apply for federal assistance, the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services and the Federal Emergency Management Agency announced.

Cal OES and FEMA announced Monday night that the Major Disaster declaration for the recent 6.0 magnitude quake will also include the Individuals and Households Program under the Stafford Act. This amendment makes assistance available to help homeowners and renters recover from the earthquake.

U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson (D- St. Helena), and Sens. Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) also announced the Obama administration's approval of Individual Assistance FEMA disaster funds for areas in Napa and Solano counties impacted by the earthquake. The Obama administration also approved U.S. Small Business Administration loans for homeowners, businesses, and nonprofits. The administration had previously only approved FEMA disaster funds for public assistance.

"The approval of this much needed assistance is an important step in our region's recovery, and it will finally allow us to start helping folks get back on their feet," Thompson said. "Individuals and families will be able to use these funds to begin the process of rebuilding and repairing homes and other personal property. And, local businesses will be able to apply for low-interest SBA loans to repair or replace disaster-damaged property, inventory and supplies. I stand ready to work with our state and local officials to make sure people know what assistance is available, who qualifies and how to apply. My office is also ready to assist with any hurdles people may encounter."

Boxer thanked the Obama administration "for determining that the people of Napa and Solano counties who were severely affected by the recent earthquake will be eligible for Individual Assistance grants and SBA loans. Residents suffering because of this devastating quake can now apply for grants of up to $32,400 to repair their homes, find temporary housing and cover expenses such as medical bills or moving costs. Business owners will be eligible for low-interest disaster loans of up to $2 million to repair and rebuild, homeowners can apply for loans of up to $200,000, and renters can qualify for loans of up to $40,000 to cover personal property losses."

Feinstein also "applauds" the decision.

"When I visited Napa after the earthquake, I saw the suffering in the community, the red- and yellow-tagged homes and businesses that were hurt," she said. "Families and business owners need help to make necessary repairs, and individual assistance will go a long way toward helping those affected by the earthquake move forward with their lives."

Individuals in Napa and Solano counties can register with FEMA online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, via smartphone at m.fema.gov or by phone at 1-800-621-3362. Those who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY, should call 1-800-462-7585 directly; for those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362.

The newly approved Small Business Administration (SBA) loans can help businesses repair or replace disaster-damaged property, inventory, and supplies. Homeowners and renters may also be eligible for SBA loans to repair or replace disaster-related damages to homes or personal property.

Businesses and homeowners that would like to apply for SBA loans can do so online at: www.sba.gov/category/navigation-structure/loans-grants/small-business-loans/disaster-loans.

The Obama administration previously approved FEMA disaster funds for local communities to use to repair public infrastructure like roads, bridges, buildings, water infrastructure, power generation facilities, sewage collection facilities and drainage channels. The federal government covers 75 percent of the costs, and the state and local governments split the remaining 25 percent.

Hazard Mitigation funding for local communities to help make sure facilities are better able to withstand future earthquakes, was also previously approved.

The approved funding is in response to the Aug. 24, magnitude 6.0 temblor that struck the Napa, Solano and Sonoma county area at about 3:20 a.m. just north of American Canyon and just south of the city of Napa. It was the largest earthquake to hit the Bay Area in a quarter century, causing $362 million in damage and damaging more than 1,500 homes.

Gov.Brown declared a State of Emergency and requested federal assistance and Thompson wrote the president urging him to approve the state's request.

In response, on Sept. 11, Obama declared a Major Disaster, making public assistance available to state, tribal and eligible governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency repair or replacement of damaged facilities. The Individuals and Households Program will provide assistance to Napa and Solano county residents, as well.