FEMA seems to be carrying through with its promise to do a better job in disaster recovery.
Lori Getter at the state Emergency Management office says the recovery effort seems to be going smoothly. FEMA has been in the flood damage areas for three weeks working closely with the state in getting people the disaster aid they need.
As of Friday morning, more than thirty-five hundred people had registered for emergency disaster assistance and four-point-six million dollars has been provided in grants.
But only sixteen people had applied for low interest Small Business Administration loans worth more tan five hundred-thousand dollars.
Federal and state agents have been making door-to door visits in the flood damaged areas to make sure people register.
Getter says some people, especially senior citizens, need help with clean up. And some people who need it aren't bothering to ask for help.
Getter says they're finding people who don't think their damage is as bad as their neighbors or wouldn't qualify so they do nothing.
Getter says even people who think they had minor damage should apply and get the paperwork in.
FEMA has been making every effort to change its image since Hurricane Katrina. Getter says they seem to be making positive steps here in Wisconsin by working closely with state, local and the victims themselves.
The deadline to register flood damage will be up in a couple of weeks.
AUDIO: Jim Dick reports ( 1:18 MP3 )
