FEMA: People seeking hurricane aid doubles

McALLEN - The number of persons seeking federal aid after Hurricane Dolly has doubled since last week, the Federal Emergency Management Agency reported Wednesday.

FEMA officials urged persons with property damage from the July 23 storm to apply for the agency's assistance, even if they have insurance.

"Calling in to register is the portal," said John Haun, FEMA's individual assistance deputy branch chief. "It's the gateway to FEMA assistance and every type of federal help provided throughout."

As of Tuesday, the agency had approved $17.7 million in aid, Duke Mazurk, the agency's human services branch chief, said.

The dollar figure does not include loans from the Small Business Administration.

The U.S. Department of Labor announced an additional $7.4 million grant to create 475 temporary jobs and speed hurricane recovery. Texas' Workforce Commission will distribute the money.

As of Wednesday afternoon, more than 25,000 Rio Grande Valley residents had registered, including 13,226 in Cameron County, 10,267 in Hidalgo County and 1,779 in Willacy County.

The number of applications is likely to increase as more people realize they could apply and how to go about it, said agency spokesman Dean Cushman.

The agency cannot offer financial assistance to anyone without proof of citizenship, but can provide legal aid and crisis counseling.

Persons whose property was damaged during the storm and have not filed an application can call 800-621-FEMA or visit www.fema.gov/assistance/ for more information.