Department of Military and Veterans Affairs

 STATE DISASTER AID APPROVED FOR EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS

Individuals and families in areas not covered by Federal declaration may apply for state disaster assistance

CAMP DENALI, Alaska - - - The Alaska Division of Emergency Services (DES)  is opening the state Individual and Family Grant disaster assistance program for the earthquake affected areas of Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Denali Borough, and the Yukon-Koyukuk Regional Education Attendance Area (REAA).

According to Kerre Fisher, DES spokesperson, “Homeowners from these areas who suffered damage and loss from the November 3^rd through 10^th earthquake and aftershocks may be eligible to receive a grant through the State Individual and Family Grant program.  If a person is qualified, they may receive up to $5,000 for property repairs.” 

Previously, the Federal Emergency Management Agency approved a federal Individual Assistance program for residents of the Copper River, Alaska Gateway, and Delta-Greely REAAs and the Fairbanks North Star Borough, where the majority of the damage was reported.  The state program is for those individuals and families within the state declared areas of Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Denali Borough, and the Yukon-Koyukuk REAA which are outside of the federally declared area.  Individuals or families with verifiable earthquake damage are encouraged to apply.

Those wanting to apply for the state program should call the DES earthquake individual assistance number: 1-866-327-8478 (within Anchorage: 428-7079), Monday through Friday from       9am – 3pm.  After completing the tele-registration, applicants may be asked to provide verification of home ownership, a copy of their 2001 tax returns and copies of any disaster-related repair receipts or damage estimates.

The deadline to apply for the state program is February 4, 2003.

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