DEARBORN — Dearborn property owners impacted by the Aug. 11 flood are encouraged to apply for federal aid through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as of Thursday, Sept. 25.
Federal assistance is available for both residential and business property owners who qualify under FEMA rules.
The city of Dearborn has no role in determining if individuals qualify for federal assistance.
Property owners must apply to FEMA for federal assistance and follow FEMA guidelines, even if they have already filed a claim with the city of Dearborn. The city of Dearborn cannot forward claims to FEMA.
“In the wake of August’s historic storm and flash flooding, Michiganders have been tested and tried as they recover their lives,” Snyder said. “We are a resilient state that bands together to help each other when it’s needed the most. This presidential declaration will provide assistance as people, businesses and governments recover. I appreciate the federal government’s recognition of the severity of this incident.”
People who need federal assistance can begin to apply immediately for grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to recover from the effects of the flooding.
Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the designated area can apply for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800.621.FEMA (3362). They can also do so by web enabled mobile device at m.fema.gov.
The toll-free telephone numbers will operate 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.
The federal assistance is possible because President Obama declared a major disaster for the state of Michigan as a result of the historic storm and flash flooding that occurred in Dearborn and in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne Counties.
Dearborn property owners should be aware that FEMA has specific rules to qualify for federal assistance.
Property owners must apply to FEMA for federal assistance and follow their guidelines, even if they have filed a claim with the city of Dearborn. The two processes are separate.
And property owners should note that under state law, the city of Dearborn can only pay claims under specific conditions. The most important condition is that there is proof that there was a defect in the city’s sewer system. Claims with the city of Dearborn had to be filed by the 5 p.m. Sept. 25 deadline set by state law.
Along with the federal assistance for qualified individuals, President Obama also approved public assistance to help cover some of the costs incurred by state and local governments during emergency response and due to damages to public facilities and infrastructure, such as schools and roads.
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