Anchorage, AK -- The following is a summary of ongoing response and recovery efforts in Alaska as of August 7, 2002 authorized by a Presidential disaster declaration in response to spring break-up flooding April 27-May 30, 2002. Declared communities include Fairbanks North Star Borough, Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Yukon-Koyukuk (McGrath), Aniak, Lime Village, Sleetmute, Crooked Creek, Red Devil, Kwethluk, New Stuyahok, Ekwok, Emmonak, and Alakanuk. This information will be updated periodically.

• Individuals may register for disaster assistance until August 26, 2002 by calling FEMA's toll-free registration line at 1-800-621-3362, 8 AM to 6 PM Alaska time.
  
  
• To date, more than 175 residents in the 10 declared boroughs and communities have registered for disaster assistance.
  
  
• More than 125 disaster housing checks totaling close to $300,000 have been issued to individuals to assist with temporary housing, and minor home repairs.
  
  
• Nearly 80 people visited the Disaster Recovery Center in Salcha seeking information concerning disaster assistance.
  
  
• The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved over $300,000 in low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters and businesses.
  
  
• State officials are processing more than 100 requests for Individual and Family Grant (IFG) assistance. Over $150,000 in grants have already been approved. IFG may be used to cover disaster-related expenses, such as essential home repairs, replacement of personal property, transportation, and necessary expenses not covered by insurance or other programs.
  
  
• State and local governments have submitted nearly 50 requests for assistance from the FEMA/State Infrastructure Assistance Program, which provides funds for the repair of public facilities such as roads, bridges, public buildings and utilities, and for debris removal. Close to $2.5 million in requests are currently in the system for approval.
  
  
• More information is available on FEMA's For the Media site, at www.fema.gov/about/media.shtm