Polk May Qualify For Some Fay Disaster Funds

BARTOW | Tropical Storm Fay may have had a minimal impact on Polk County, but the county could still qualify for some federal disaster assistance.

"It won't be much," said Pete McNally, the county's director of emergency management. "I wouldn't think it would be anything near $100,000."

Polk County could qualify for the money because President Bush declared the entire state a disaster area after Tropical Storm Fay made repeated landfalls.

The initial declaration allows the Federal Emergency Management Agency to help pay for repairs to infrastructure and utilities, as well as preventive measures such as providing sandbags for residents.

In addition, McNally said, the county could be reimbursed by FEMA for overtime pay for emergency workers.

While damage to Polk homes was minimal, there was some damage, McNally said. He said about 10 homes near the Kissimmee River on the eastern edge of Polk County sustained some flood damage.

In addition, four homes near Lake Rosalie east of Lake Wales were damaged by a tornado during a thunderstorm generated by Fay.

That would not normally be enough to generate federal assistance, but McNally said the damage could be lumped together with major flooding in other parts of Florida.

If that happens and Bush issues a major disaster declaration, homeowners could qualify for some federal assistance, McNally said.

FEMA teams are now surveying Florida as part of a "preliminary damage assessment" that will determine the amount and type of federal aid the state will receive.

A FEMA press release said the survey teams are staffed by specialists with extensive experience in public assistance and human services.

Public assistance involves buildings, roads, and other essential public facilities.

Human services involves residential damage to determine the impact of the disaster on individuals and families.

[ Bill Bair can be reached at bill.bair@theledger.com or 863-676-7118. ]