Countywide : Federal Funds Given to Storm Victims

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has awarded $157,600 to the victims of last month’s storms and landslides to help pay for rent, mortgages and emergency repairs, a spokeswoman said Wednesday.

Cory La Bianca said that more than 450 people from throughout the county, particularly the landslide victims in Anaheim and San Clemente, have applied for federal assistance.

About 80 of those applications had been processed by Tuesday, when the last count was taken. La Bianca said that there have been 99 payments, averaging $582 a check.

Some of the applicants may have received more than one check for a combination of rental, mortgage and emergency repair costs, she said. Because the aid is a grant, the residents do not have to pay it back.

The federal financial aid was made available to Orange County residents and local governments Feb. 3 when President Clinton issued a disaster declaration.

Many residents are still waiting to find out if they have qualified for other disaster relief programs, such as low-interest residential and business loans from the Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance Program.

The federal government offers loans of up to $100,000 for damaged houses, $20,000 for personal property losses and $500,000 for businesses.

Bob Maccini, a spokesman with the SBA, said that nearly 200 Orange County residents have asked for the loan applications but that fewer than 35 have completed and returned them. He did not know if any loans had been approved.

Storm and landslide victims can apply for federal aide by telephone, or at either of the two Disaster Application Centers in the county at 8028 E. Santa Ana Canyon Road in Anaheim and 1015 Calle Amanecer in San Clemente.

Both centers are open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. The Anaheim center closes Feb. 20, and the San Clemente center Feb. 21. Even after they close, representatives with the Small Business Administration will still be there a few additional days to give out applications and answer questions.

People can apply by phone at (800) 462-9029 until April 5.