Representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency have set up shop in Z.J. Loussac Public Library, where they will help people affected from the Nov. 30 earthquake register for federal aid.
The aid, authorized by President Donald Trump through a major disaster declaration, includes grant money for temporary housing and home repairs and low-interest loans to cover uninsured property damage.
FEMA representatives will be available at the Loussac library through Feb. 17 during regular library hours, according to the agency. They will also answer questions about federal disaster assistance.
FEMA’s outreach plans beyond Sunday are unknown at this point, but the agency will remain in Southcentral Alaska for as long as they are needed, said Jerry Fields of FEMA, who was at the library on Saturday.
Federal individual assistance is separate from the state’s individual assistance program, which has already seen more than 11,000 applications. The state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management recently extended the deadline for state assistance until Feb. 28.
Fields said those affected by the earthquake should apply for both.
Individuals can qualify for federal grants of up to $34,900 for property damage.
Residents and business owners with damage can also apply for the federal assistance by registering online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA(3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice, officials said.