Federal aid

President Obama last month granted a disaster declaration, making qualified homeowners, renters and property owners in 28 Missouri counties, including Jasper and Newton, eligible for aid in the wake of storms between May 8 and 16.

Obama also issued a companion “public sector” declaration covering utility companies in 46 counties, including Jasper and Newton. That declaration allows local governments and certain utilities to be reimbursed by the federal government for most of the costs they incur for emergency response and for repairs to public infrastructure.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency and its state counterpart on Thursday opened a Disaster Recovery Center in Joplin as an additional resource.

Dianna Gee, a FEMA public information officer, on Thursday reiterated that people affected by the severe weather should register with FEMA. Residents who had property damage and who were either uninsured or underinsured could qualify for assistance that includes grants for temporary housing and home repairs, and for other significant disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance.

Although people are not required to visit the center to apply for aid, Gee said the center offers “one-stop shopping” for those seeking information about the various forms of assistance available not only through FEMA but also through other state and federal agencies, such as disaster unemployment assistance.

People can check the status of a claim, ask questions about the recovery status and review information FEMA needs to process an individual’s claim.

FEMA also is the starting point for those who could end up applying for aid through the U.S. Small Business Administration.

SBA representatives are also at the recovery center to answer questions about the agency’s low-interest disaster loan program for homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private, nonprofit organizations. These loans are for repairing or replacing real estate and/or personal property damaged by the severe storms in May.

‘Back on track’

Randy Woodward, 3038 W. 16th St., said an insurance company has covered much of the damage his family experienced from the May 8 windstorm.

The Woodwards’ back yard and pool, along with several vehicles, were damaged when television station KSNF’s tower toppled.

“A lot of cleaning,” Woodward said Thursday. “A lot of work. We are slowly getting things back on track.”

The labor has included landscaping and cleanup that the Woodwards themselves did. They have replaced their pool and furnace.

Two of the family’s three vehicles that were damaged are still in the shop for repairs. Woodward said they have borrowed one vehicle from his in-laws.