SHELBURNE FALLS — The $55,000 raised by the West County Relief Fund in the five months since Tropical Storm Irene devastated many homes and local businesses was sought out by at least 13 households and 15 businesses with storm damages that could not be covered by other resources.
According to Shelburne Falls Area Business Association Executive Director Mary Vilbon, the 28 applicants for the aid reported about $2.1 million in damages combined.
For West County residents, the combined damages reported were worth $535,975. The residents who have applied for aid have received a combined $109,115 in grants to cover damages, $68,000 in loans and $12,000 in insurance payments. This leaves about $346,860 worth of damage for which these residents have no coverage.
Vilbon said there may be more residential claims added to the relief fund, but those residents are still waiting to find out the status of their insurance claims for wind damages.