County Will Be Represented At FEMA Disaster Recovery Center Annapolis (September 22, 2003) - Anne Arundel County Executive Janet S. Owens announced today the formation of a hurricane damage assistance team offering technical and funding assistance to income eligible homeowners who need help recovering from damage caused by Hurricane Isabel. The emergency assistance team, consisting of a group of County technical housing and construction advisors, will visit homeowners to offer damage assessment and insurance counseling, give advice on how to make repairs, make recommendations on suitable contractors and help provide funding for the necessary improvements to homes and property. Items included in the assistance will include repairs, electric and water system repairs, water damage repairs and repairs due to structural damage to roofs and homes. Emergency assistance team representatives will be available at the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Disaster Recovery Center tomorrow through Friday, October 3, 2003. The Disaster Recovery Center is located on the 3rd floor of the Arundel Center at 44 Calvert Street in Annapolis. "The devastation that Hurricane Isabel has caused is substantial and widespread," said Ms. Owens. "The County is ready to help homeowners who may not be in a position to pay for costly repairs. We can offer a quick assessment of damage, determining what work is needed and help getting the repairs done as quickly as possible, including finding the necessary funds to complete the repairs. Fortunately, we have funds and programs in place that can be put to good use in difficult times such as these." Administered by the County's housing and community development agency, Arundel Community Development Services, Inc. (ACDS), the hurricane damage assistance is available to individuals and families with household incomes at 80% or below the area median income. "Basically, this program can assist a single homeowner with an income at or below $37,000 and a family of four at or below $54,000," said Kathleen Koch, ACDS Executive Director. "We have a team of trained construction specialists ready to advise homeowners on the next best steps for securing their homes and property." Hurricane damage assistance is immediately available. For more information on how to qualify for the program, contact K.C. Tuttle, Arundel Community Development Services, at 410-222-7600 extension 136. | 
