President issues disaster declaration for Hampden and Worcester counties

President Barack Obama today issued a disaster declaration for Hampden and Worcester counties as a result of the powerful and destructive storms and tornadoes that hit on June 1.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will provide aid in the form of reimbursement for much of the storm-related infrastructure damage, debris removal and emergency response costs incurred by local communities, eligible nonprofit organizations and state agencies, according to the governor’s office.

The president’s action makes Individual Assistance (IA) programs available to affected homeowners, renters and businesses in Hampden and Worcester counties and Public Assistance (PA) available in Hampden County.

FEMA continues to evaluate the damage data and supporting information related to Public Assistance requested for the communities of Southbridge and Sturbridge in Worcester County.

The available Individual Assistance programs administered by FEMA and the Small Business Administration include the Individuals and Households Programs (IHP), disaster unemployment assistance, crisis counseling, legal assistance, tax relief, and Small Business Administration disaster loans.

The governor said that FEMA will establish Disaster Recovery Centers in each of the nine communities hit hardest by the June 1 storms, and FEMA staff at each of the centers will work to help individuals and businesses in their recovery from the impacts of the storms and tornadoes. He said several state agencies will also have representatives at the Disaster Recovery Centers to help provide any state assistance that may be available.

Under FEMA’s Public Assistance program, affected local governments, many private nonprofit organizations, and state agencies are eligible to apply for federal funds to be reimbursed for no less than a 75 percent federal share of storm-related overtime costs for emergency response, debris removal, and repair, restoration and/or reconstruction of public facilities and infrastructure damaged by the storm, according to the governor’s office.

The president’s declaration also allows the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to offer foreclosure relief and other assistance to certain families living in the affected counties.

Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan announced today that HUD will speed federal disaster assistance and provide support to homeowners and low-income renters forced from their homes by the severe storms and tornadoes two weeks ago.

HUD will offer state and local governments federally guaranteed loans for housing rehabilitation, economic development, and the repair of public infrastructure.

HUD is offering the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and other entitlement communities the ability to re-allocate existing federal resources toward disaster relief. The Community Development Block Grant and HOME programs give the state and communities the flexibility to redirect millions of dollars to address critical needs, including housing and services for disaster victims, Donovan said. He added that HUD is contacting state and local officials to explore streamlining the department’s CDBG and HOME programs in order to expedite the repair and replacement of damaged housing.

The department has also granted a 90-day moratorium on foreclosures and forbearance on foreclosures of Federal Housing Administration-insured home mortgages.

HUD’s Section 203(h) program provides FHA insurance to disaster victims who have lost their homes and are facing the task of rebuilding or buying another home. Borrowers from participating FHA-approved lenders are eligible for 100 percent financing, including closing costs.

HUD’s Section 203(k) loan program enables those who have lost their homes to finance the purchase or refinancing of a house, along with its repair, through a single mortgage. It also allows homeowners who have damaged houses to finance the rehabilitation of their existing single-family home.

HUD will share information with FEMA and the state on housing providers that may have available units in the affected counties. This includes public housing agencies and multi-family owners. The department will also connect FEMA and the state to subject-matter experts to provide information on HUD programs and providers.

• Link to HUD for more information about its programs

Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the designated counties must register for assistance by calling the FEMA tele-registration numbers – (800) 621-FEMA (3362) or (800) 462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired – or by registering online at www.fema.gov/assistance. Registration services will also be available at the FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers once they are operational.