GRAVETTE — The Benton County Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security continues to direct response and recovery efforts from flooding which occurred last month, according to Robert T. Mc-Gowen, Director.

Individuals whose homes were affected by the flooding that occurred last month can apply for assistance through FEMA’s individual assistance program. The FEMA Individual Assistance program will assist eligible applicants with temporary housing assistance, uninsured personal property and medical, dental and funeral expenses caused by the disaster and other serious unmet needs.

Small business owners may also apply for assistance through the Small Business Association (SBA). The SBA provides low interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private, nonprofit organizations, etc.

The Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) will open in Benton County May 18 and May 19 and May 31 and June 1 at the Shewmaker Center for Workforce Technology located on the campus of Northwest Arkansas Community College (NWACC) at 1000 SE Eagle Way, Bentonville. State and federal representatives will be on hand from 8 a.m. through 6:30 p.m.

Affected residents and business owners may also apply for assistance by calling the registration number at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

News, Pages 15 on 05/18/2011