More than $14 million in grants have been approved for Iowa homeowners and renters affected by the summer floods from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, according to officials.
Of that amount, $13.2 million is already in registrants' bank accounts, said John Mills, FEMA external affairs field specialist.
In Webster County, 307 registrations have filed for assistance and received $282,000 in grants, but Mills said Wright County has received the most monetary assistance in the region with $733,000 allocated to 320 registrants.
"The FEMA grants are designed to help people get back on their feet," Mills said. He added that the maximum grant available for housing assistance through the federal individual assistance program is $29,900. This program provides funds for housing repairs, replacement and temporary housing.
A secondary FEMA program - unmet needs - gives grants to applicants for clothing, furniture, some appliances and other household items.
FEMA officials are still urging people who experienced damage to their home since June 1 to register for grants.
Mills said some people are still unsure if they've registered with FEMA.
"If someone reported damages to their city or town hall, or registered for state assistance, or met in person with their county emergency management coordinator, they are not registered with FEMA," Mills said. "There are only two ways people can register with FEMA, either call the 1-800 number or register on the website."
He added that people will know they're registered when they receive a nine-digit confirmation number from FEMA.
"That nine-digit number is proof that a person has registered with FEMA for aid," Mills said.
Following registration, a FEMA-contracted inspector will call the registrant to schedule a time to inspect damage to the home, which is a free service. The inspector will have FEMA identification.
FEMA has also set up disaster recovery centers in Hamilton and Wright Counties. Residents are urged to register with FEMA before they visit a center in order to save time.
Mills said people can register for aid at the sites if they want, but they will still have to register by phone from the center.
"The centers give people a chance to meet FEMA experts face to face, including flood mitigation experts," Mills said.
Those experts can give residents tips on how to best remove mold from homes and inexpensive ways to prepare a home for future flooding or severe weather.
A representative from the U.S. Small Business Administration will also be at each center to answer questions regarding low-interest loans, since FEMA grants may not completely cover a homeowner or businesses' financial recovery needs, Mills said.
Even if people qualify for FEMA housing assistance, they could also receive a loan of up to $200,000 for housing needs, and $40,000 for personal property damage through the Small Business Administration.
"A representative from SBA will be at the disaster recovery centers to answer questions and help people fill out an application," Mills said and urged people to apply. "Even if people don't qualify for a loan, that may make them eligible for more FEMA funding. If a loan is approved, the person isn't required to take it."
There is no closing date yet for the disaster recovery centers, however, Mills estimated the centers would be available for two weeks.
He said if people would like to meet with someone face to face time is of the essence.
Contact Lindsey Mutchler at (515) 573-2141 or lindsey@messengernews.net