First figures on area storm damage
By Donna Comella

Preliminary estimates of local damage from the Labor Day storm are beginning to trickle in.

As of Monday morning, 95 area residents had requested assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, using an 800 number. Monday afternoon, Tuesday and Wednesday, FEMA set up a temporary office at the County Complex on Route 31. In the entire state (10 eligible counties), 3,208 storm victims had registered for assistance through the toll-free number as of Monday night. Temporary housing grants had been issued to 127 victims, totaling $118,743. Over 440 home inspections had been completed.

Thelma Wideman of the Wayne County Emergency Management Office, issued an update to the county Board of Supervisors Monday. Her preliminary estimate for total private and public damage in Wayne County came in at $11,456,184. Farm damage estimates submitted by the USDA totaled between $11 and $16 million - which included a 40 percent apple crop loss, two greenhouses, three barns, four grain bins and two elevators.

Renters, homeowners, and business owners in Wayne County may apply for disaster assistance by calling 1-800-462-9029.

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