Disaster Recovery Aid Surpasses $564.6M for Hurricane Rita

Families and individuals who suffered damage from Hurricane Rita have received more than $564,654,596 in assistance from state, federal, local and voluntary agencies. These agencies are working in partnership to continue to help affected Texas residents.

Recovery services summary as of Dec. 16, 2005 10:30 a.m.

* 477,319 individuals have registered for Individual Assistance.
* $549,365,396 has been approved through the Individuals and Household Program. Of that, FEMA has provided $484,222,400 in Individual Assistance and $65,142,995 in Other Needs Assistance.
* $15,289,200 in loans has been approved by the Small Business Administration (SBA).
* 347,630 people have visited the Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs). Individuals affected by Hurricane Rita may go to any DRC to have questions answered about disaster assistance in person.
* 332,449 home inspections have been requested. Ninety-four percent of those submitted have been completed. There are 232 inspectors in the field.
* 84 percent of the debris from Hurricane Rita has been removed. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), cities and counties have hauled away an estimated 7.1 million cubic yards of debris with 1.3 million cubic yards pending removal.
* 3,119 requests for travel trailers have been received. Some 1,808 units are occupied. Accessible units with a wider entrance, handrails, and low-step tub entry also are available.
* $353,989,239 in Public Assistance has been obligated by the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The funds will be used by the State of Texas to reimburse local governments and agencies for eligible and documented debris removal, temporary sheltering, interim housing and emergency protective measures associated with Hurricanes Rita and Katrina.
* Jan. 11, 2006: Final day to register for assistance with FEMA.