After the substantial storm in June, local & county officials applied to FEMA seeking disaster funding for governments andlow interestloansor grants to businesses and individuals thatsuffered great financial damages. It’s been 4 months and residents/businesses still don’t know if they are eligible for FEMA assistance. I think this is an outrage---can’t understand why it takes the federal government so long to declare an area an emergency. The delay makes it harder for people and businesses impacted by a flood to get on with their lives.People’s plans are on hold until FEMA issues the declaration. It took from April to September for the April storms to be declared a disaster. There is a need for government red tape to be cut….

An individual can apply for assistance after a flood only AFTER a disaster has been declared. The April storm was declared #1589. Detailed information and instructions can be found on the FEMA website: www.fema.gov. The website walks visitors through the steps to apply for assistance.

PAUL FEINER