North Florida counties get FEMA aid

North Florida counties get FEMA aid

Baker, Bradford, Union, Duval, Nassau eligible for disaster relief

TALLAHASSEE, FL - Storm victims in most Florida counties are eligible to receive federal assistance under a new declaration by President George Bush.

Twenty-one Florida counties are eligible to receive federal reimbursement for damage to public property and the costs of responding to Tropical Storm Fay. Baker, Bradford, Brevard, Calhoun, Collier, Duval, Gadsden, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Jefferson, Liberty, Monroe, Nassau, Okeechobee, Palm Beach, Putnam, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Union and Volusia counties will receive aid through the Federal Emergency Management Agency for such things as home repairs and living expenses.

FEMA also announced that more Florida counties including Baker, Braford, Union, Duval and Nassau were eligible to be reimbursed for response costs, debris removal and rebuilding of public facilities and infrastructure.

In Nassau County alone, officials estimate damage to area roadways, beaches and public buildings along with official cost of responding to the storm at $2.3 million. It is hoped that FEMA could extend assistance to private property owners in Nassau County allowing aid for more than 50 homes damaged by flood waters.

EOC director Adam Faircloth said preliminary damage estimates totaled about $1.2 million in Baker County. Duval estimates $8.2 million in damages.

More counties could be added to the aid list.

Affected residents and business owners in counties FEMA has authorized for individual assistance may apply by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362) from 7 a.m. to midnight seven days a week. Those with a speech-and hearing impairment may call the TTY number at 800-462-7585. Online registration is available at www.FEMA.gov