BUENA PARK : Flood Victims Eligible for City Grants

The city has made about $200,000 of its community grant funds available as immediate aid to homeowners who suffered damage during recent flooding.

Charitable groups also are geared up to give furniture, clothes and other essentials to renters who do not qualify for aid.

About 70 homes have been flooded out since a series of heavy rains began Jan. 4, when City Manager Kevin O’Rourke declared a local state of emergency. That opened the door for disaster relief assistance from the federal and state governments, O’Rourke told City Council members last week.

Customers were cut off from stores along two north-south thoroughfares, Beach Boulevard and Western Avenue, after major sinkholes forced the closing of those streets between Orangethorpe Avenue and Manchester Boulevard.

O’Rourke estimated damage to homes and businesses to be at least $3 million. “And officials expect that number to grow,” he added.

Homeowners affected by the flooding can apply for “urgent need” grants for up to $3,500 per residence. The aid is limited to major structural damage such as floors, furnaces, and electrical or plumbing works. For more information, call the city’s Home Improvement Program at (714) 562-3593.

The Army Corps of Engineers is working around the clock and expects Beach and Western to be open by the first week of February, Mayor Don R. Griffin said. Repairs to the Fullerton Creek flood-control channel should be completed by April.

In the interim, Albertson’s Food Center at Orangethorpe and Western is offering a free shuttle service to shoppers from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Residents can make arrangements by calling (714) 522-1222.

The Buena Park Coordinating Council, a nonprofit agency, will distribute donations for flood victims from 10 a.m. to noon Thursday at its center, 6840-A Orangethorpe Ave.