Suffolk News-Herald

Virginia residents who suffered losses during Hurricane Isabel have an additional three weeks to apply for federal recovery assistance.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency on Thursday extended its filing deadline from Nov. 17 to Dec. 8.

&uot;To date, the total number of registrations is over 87,000 with close to 400 registrations coming in daily,&uot; said State Coordinating Officer Michael Cline. &uot;It was clear we needed to keep the registration period open if we were going to reach all of the people who need help.&uot;

Thus far, the agency has awarded $7,607,982 to 4,120 eligible applicants in Hampton Roads cities.

Approximately $945,807 of it went to 533 families in Suffolk, said FEMA spokesman Eugene Brezany.

Funding received to date by other local cities include $2,992,135, Norfolk; $1,186,907, Chesapeake; $916,969, Virginia Beach; $907,661, Portsmouth; and $659,483, Isle of Wight County.

Although the disaster relief center that was located at the National Guard Armory closed earlier this month, people can register by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) at from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.