Friday, Sept. 5, 2003 | 8:48 a.m.
The owners of the 183 homes and 80 businesses that were damaged by the Aug. 19 flooding in northwest Las Vegas are finding themselves out of luck when it comes to federal aid. The issue seems to be that the damage was limited to a few neighborhoods -- an area not big enough to qualify for federal disaster relief.
Yet their losses represent individual hardships no less severe than if another thousand or two homes and businesses had been involved. That's why we support the local drive to raise at least $300,000 through the Red Cross to help the flood victims rehabilitate their homes and businesses. Singer Celine Dion, who performs at Caesars Palace, and Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman have appeared in a TV ad to promote the drive. Las Vegas Councilmen Michael Mack and Larry Brown, who represent the northwest, have also helped out by seeking corporate donations. An account has been established at Wells Fargo Bank to receive individual donations. The drive is getting off to a great start. We expect it will more than meet its goal.
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