Smith County approved for FEMA funds

Smith County has been added to the Federal Emergency Management Agency's list of Texas counties eligible for federal aid, officials announced today.

The federal aid is in response to flooding throughout the state that began June 16. The approved funds are for both individual and household assistance, or "Individual Assistance - IA."

FEMA officials, Smith County Judge Joel Baker, Smith County Emergency Management Coordinator and City of Tyler Emergency Management officials toured the damaged roadways througout the morning and afternoon. This preliminary assessment will evaluate the validity of claims submitted in the Disaster Summary Outline for Smith County, City of Tyler, Whitehouse, Troup and other smaller incorporated cities located within Smith County.

These funds, if approved, will assist in rebuilding the road structures, drainage culverts, etc. that were eroded or damaged due to the heavy rains that we have experienced.

Once again, citizens are urged to contact FEMA about storm damage. City and county officials stress that citizens who suffered damage from the recent severe storms and resulting flooding should register their losses with FEMA.

Registration is available online at www.fema.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the hearing and speech impaired.

The toll-free numbers are available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (local time) Monday through Sunday.

Applicants should be prepared to provide basic information about themselves including name, permanent address, phone number, insurance coverage and any other information to help document and support their loss.

Applicants should also save pertinent receipts and take photographs to support their claims.

FEMA provides assistance to victims who have eligible disaster related expenses and serious needs that are not covered by insurance.

If you do not report your damage or loss, you will not be contacted and could lose the chance to seek assistance.