Flood money on tap

Deadline nears for applications to receive state funding for water damage from last month's rain storm

Web posted July 25, 2000

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By Heidi Coryell
Staff Writer

Time is running out to apply for emergency relief money granted earlier this month by Gov. Roy Barnes to Augusta-area flood victims.

On July 10, $105,000 was given to the Georgia Emergency Management Agency to distribute to qualified Richmond County residents in need of immediate assistance in the wake of the June 20 flash floods. Applications are being collected by local EMA officials, and the deadline is Friday.

On Monday, officials had received 21 applications, submitted by residents countywide, including the Hollywood subdivision behind Regency Mall, west Augusta's Commonwealth subdivision and homeowners on East Boundary Street, said EMA Director David Dlugolenski.

``After all the applications are in, we'll go through the process of taking a look at what the requirements are, what their immediate needs are and distribute money accordingly,'' Mr. Dlugolenski said.

Money will be awarded based on need, with primary consideration given to those with uninhabitable residences, uninsured and damaged residences and those displaced by flood waters in their living space. The money is available to homeowners and renters.

The emergency money aims to compensate flood victims for temporary housing costs, replacement of food, clothing and furnishings, emergency medical needs and emergency transportation expenses.

The maximum grant award per eligible participant is $5,000.

``If they haven't reported flood damage, they need to as soon as possible,'' Mr. Dlugolenski said. The applications also are being used to create a repetitive flood damage list, which is used to determine homes eligible to be bought out by the county.

Those receiving the governor's emergency relief money will be notified in writing within one to two weeks after the application deadline.

Reach Heidi Coryell at (706) 823-3215.