By Paul Tuthill
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Springfield, MA – The Federal Emergency Management Agency has announced an August 15th deadline for people impacted by the June 1st tornadoes in Massachusetts to apply for assistance. Another storm recovery milestone was marked Monday, as the city of Springfield ended the removal of debris from public right of ways. WAMC"s Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief Paul Tuthill reports.
In just a month since President Obama declared a major disaster because of the tornadoes, nearly 3,900 people have registered with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and , more than 5 million dollars has been authorized for individuals and business owners.
FEMA spokesman Daniel LLargues says people who registered with the agency were visited by an inspector within 24 hours to determine if they qualified for help.
According to FEMA three million dollars in grants have gone to tornado survivors for housing and personal needs. The US Small Business Administration approved two million dollars in low interest loans to homeowners, renters and business owners to repair tornado damage.
Even though it has been almost seven weeks since the storms wrecked havoc along a 39 mile path through 19 communities, LLargues says people are still calling FEMA, or coming in person to a disaster recovery center to seek help.
FEMA has determined that August 15th will be the last day people can apply for assistance. FEMA, which opened seven disaster assistance centers just days after the presidential declaration, has now closed four of the centers. Ones in Springfield, West Springfield and Monson remain open..
FEMA was famously criticized for its response to the humanitarian crisis that followed Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, but the agency has been almost universally praised in Springfield. Congressman Richard Neal is among those pleased with FEMA's work.
The city of Springfield Monday wound down a massive storm debris removal effort. Tom Walsh, the city's communications director, said Monday was the last day that city crews would haul away debris that property owners put out the curbside
Walsh said the city's finance department is documenting what has been spent on the tornado emergency response and recovery operations so a bill can be sent to state and federal authorities for reimbursement.
That figures includes damage estimates to two public schools. The city is renting modular classrooms which will be used for the next two years, while the school buildings are repaired.