Help available to those impacted by recent winter weather event

State and federal agencies are offering help to local residents who were impacted by the recent snow and ice storms in Texas, including:

USDA National Resources Conservation Services is offering farmers and ranchers technical and financial assistance to repair and replace certain damaged conservation practices. Deadlines are set for March 5, March 19 or April 2 this year.

Recovery measures for its Environmental Quality Incentives Program include:

• Animal Mortality and Animal Mortality Facility

• High Tunnel Systems

• Irrigation System and Irrigation Pipeline
• Livestock Pipeline
• Obstruction Removal
• Pumping Plant
• Roofs and Covers
• Waste Storage Facility
• Water Well
• Watering facility

Service center contacts in Cherokee County are located at 4361 Loop 343 West, Suite B, in Rusk.
• Farm Service Agency Office. Contact agent Christopher Lynn at 903-683-4234 ext. 2, or email [email protected]

Natural Resources Conservation Service Office. Contact agent Julie Moore at 903-683-4669 ext. 3, or email [email protected].

Federal Emergency Management Agency. According to a recent FEMA release, Cherokee County homeowners and renters who recently suffered damage during y the recent winter storm may now apply for disaster assistance with FEMA.

Individuals with insurance who are applying for disaster assistance must also file a claim with their insurance company as soon as possible; by law, FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance. However, if insurance does not cover all damages, federal assistance may be available, the release stated.

may be eligible for federal assistance.

Apply at www.disasterassistance.gov and have on hand the following information:
• A current phone number where you can be contacted

• Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying

• Your Social Security number, if available

• A general list of damage and losses

• If insured, the insurance policy number, or the agent and company name

The agency also recommends applicants take photos to document damage and begin cleanup and repairs to prevent further damage. Also, keep receipts from all purchases related to cleanup and repair.

Disaster assistance may include financial assistance for temporary lodging and home repairs, low-interest loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster. Additionally, the release noted that low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration are available to businesses, homeowners and renters. Contact the SBA at 800-659-2955 or visit www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance.

Authorities noted that if a person receives a determination letter stating the applicant is ineligible for help or that there is “no decision,” to read the letter carefully.

“FEMA may need additional information from you to continue processing your application. If you have insurance and are applying for federal assistance, you must file a claim with your insurance provider. If applicable, you will need to provide a copy of your insurance settlement approval or denial letter,” the release stated.