Ian Update 63: FEMA Assistance available for privately owned access routes

Posted On: October 28, 2022

Volusia County residents with a privately owned driveway, road, bridge or dock damaged by Hurricane Ian, may be eligible to receive financial assistance through FEMA or the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for repairs. 

To qualify, the applicant must be the homeowner of the primary residence and exhibit proof the damage is a result from Hurricane Ian. A FEMA inspection will be required to determine if repairs are necessary for a vehicle to gain access to the property.

The applicant must also meet at least one of the below conditions:

• The damaged driveway, road, bridge or dock is the only access point to the property and/or repair or replacement of a secondary route is necessary for practical use
• The home can no longer be accessed due to the damage
• The occupants’ safety could be at risk whereas an emergency service vehicle, such as an ambulance or fire truck, cannot access the home

If multiple households share the privately owned access route, the assistance will be shared among the applicants. The application process will require additional coordination and documentation between FEMA and each applicant.

Residents seeking assistance to repair privately owned access routes should apply with FEMA before requesting a loan through the SBA. An application may be submitted online at disasterassistance.gov, through the FEMA app or by calling 800-621-3362. Residents may also apply at the Disaster Recovery Center, which is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily at the Florida Department of Health-Volusia, 1845 Holsonback Drive, Daytona Beach.