NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- Congresswoman Suzanne Kosmas today applauded the Obama administration's announcement that the president has issued a Major Disaster Declaration for Volusia County, triggering the release of federal funds to help families and individuals recover from the severe storms and flooding that have devastated the region.
Yesterday, Kosmas, the New Smyrna Democrat and Congressman John Mica, the Winter Haven Republican, sent joint a
letter to the president urging him to expedite the process for issuing a Major Disaster Declaration, which will provide individuals with access
to federal aid such as temporary housing assistance. This assistance is especially critical as many flood victims do not have flood insurance.
"We have been in constant contact with the White House expressing the urgent need for disaster assistance, and I applaud the president for
heeding our call to quickly provide federal relief for flood victims,"
said, Kosmas, whose 24th district includes parts of four counties, including greater New Smyrna Beach and Port Orange, in Volusia County. "I will continue working to ensure that individuals and families have all the help they need to recovery from these devastating floods."
Now that a Major Disaster Declaration has been issued, flood victims can call 1-800-621-FEMA (1-800-621-3362) to receive aid.
New Smyrna Beach was particularly hit hard by seven straight days of heavy rains that produced just under 20 inches of rainfall. The reslting flooding caused $1.45 Million in property damage in New Smyrna Beach alone.