A story MHProNews last published Oct. 8, 2015 details the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) disaster relief efforts for victims of the Butte and Valley fires in northern California. At that time they had disbursed over $4.5 million, and now that number has jumped to $7.49 million, according to record-bee, and that includes 95% of the registrations documenting loss.

2,268 Lake County residents had registered as of Oct. 13 for grant-based funds provided by FEMA, which will help with repair or replacement of homes, including temporary housing and personal needs. FEMA is determining how many manufactured homes will be brought in as part of the relief effort. “There’s no official word on how many, but that is part of the recovery tool box and something we’re looking at doing,” said Steven Solomon, FEMA External Affairs Specialist.

FEMA moved quickly to complete the 2,310 inspections, and is now networking with community and faith-based groups to consider long-term solutions. The agency is also scoping out sites for the MH.

Additionally the SBA (Small Business Administration) announced that low-interest federal disaster loans are now available to certain private nonprofit (PNP) organizations, providing they are deemed a critical need in times of a disaster. The loans can be up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets. SBA can also make loans that could prevent a future disaster from occurring. ##

(Photo credit: kgo-tv–Valley Fire destruction in California)

Article submitted by Matthew J. Silver to Daily Business News-MHPronews.