FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (WSVN) - After city leaders of Broward County took a trip to Washington D.C., President Joe Biden declared that major disasters struck Broward County, during historic flooding earlier this month.
Clean up is still underway, Friday. in many areas in Broward County.
The floods from just over two weeks ago were enough to order federal aid to the area. This comes after rains drenched the county over a matter of days damaging several homes and businesses.
“The White House has announced that it will, in fact, will designate Fort Lauderdale as a major disaster area,” said Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis. “It now allows the money from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. People can now apply for that. I don’t believe there is a cap in the total amount. It’s just going to be a cap in regard to the individual.”
“I’m happy about that,” said Charles Speck, who had his home damaged in the floods.
According to a press release by the White House, federal aid will be available to affected individuals in Broward County.
Assistance will include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans for uninsured property losses and other programs for residents and business owners.
Speck said he is thrilled he can now call and apply for aid.
“I’ll wait ’til tomorrow,” he said. “I’m exhausted from all the work I’ve been doing. Little bit everyday.”
Chris Armstrong is also dealing with the aftermath and now waiting for insurance reimbursement.
“House had to be completely gutted,” he said.
Some neighborhoods of his though, will turn to FEMA.
“That’s an awesome outlet for them to recover what they’ve lost,” Armstrong said.
After the announcement was made, Debbie Wasserman-Schultz said in a statement that she was grateful for the support.
“So many people and businesses are still struggling with the impacts of this historic storm event, and this federal declaration to provide financial and loan assistance is the commitment they need right now,” the statement read. “This timely response by the President will help unleash temporary housing, home repairs, and property loans for our families, and it extends a helping hand to businesses eager to rebuild from the effects of this natural disaster.”
The federal money likely to help at least a thousand directly affected.
This also includes renters.
“If they need temp lodging somewhere else,” said Trantalis.
FEMA’s John Mills explained what you can expect if you’re applying.
“FEMA will ask you for a description of the damage,” he said. “You’ll need to provide a social security number for one member of the household. You may be asked if you want direct deposit, for your routing information.”
And if you’ve already started your repairs, there’s a chance you may be reimbused, too.
“You can provide receipts. You can provide contractor estimates, any expense you had directly related to the flooding,” said Mills.
For those who sustained losses in the designated areas can begin applying for assistance at DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362) or by using the FEMA App.
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