After waiting for more than three months, Federal Emergency Management Administration officials granted Kerr County the ability to file "individual assistance" claims in the wake of February's winter storm.
Kerr County officials received confirmation on Friday of FEMA's approval. Kerr County Emergency Management Coordinator Dub Thomas said more than 570 property owners filed claims after the storm. Three of those claims were homes destroyed by the ice and snowstorm that gripped Texas for more than a week.
"This is a great day for Kerr County, and all residents who qualify for the federal aid need to take advantage of it," Thomas said in a news release.
"Everyone who wishes to seek assistance from FEMA under this individual assistance designation must apply within the next 60 days," Thomas added. "It is very important that residents read and follow the procedures for filing with FEMA for assistance." The forms to apply for individual assistance and more information are available on the county website. Visit https://co.kerr.tx.us and click on the "News/Announcements" link. Included are documents on how to start the recovery process, the best way to send disaster documents, what to expect after applying and information on the FEMA appeals process. "I want to thank all those who went online and completed the iSTAT survey about the property damages they suffered," Thomas said. "FEMA used those survey results to make a positive determination in Kerr County's favor, so what you did really paid off for our local community and those in it who need the help."
The delay may have been caused by the county failing to issue an emergency declaration. While the city of Kerrville issued an emergency, Kerr County officials never issued one.
The forms to apply for individual assistance and more information are available on the county website. Visit https://co.kerr.tx.us and click on the “News/Announcements” link. Included are documents on how to start the recovery process, the best way to send disaster documents, what to expect after applying and information on the FEMA appeals process.
