Relief is coming.

Residents of Forks Township who suffered damage from Hurricane Irene can now apply for individual assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

"We just received notification," said Forks Township Manager Richard Schaedter said.

Throughout Hurricane Irene's wrath, Forks residents and businesses suffered through sinkholes and flooding.

FEMA is now offering individual assistance to residents. He said applications may be available shortly at the township municipal building.

"I think it's terrific," Schaedter said. "This should expedite the matter. It cuts out the middleman. The township now doesn't have to contact FEMA on behalf of the residents."

Forks' cleanup costs from Hurricane Irene reached about $10,000, township officials have stated.

Municipal costs for the two-day cleanup effort throughout the township totaled $9,357.87, according to a report from township public works director Mark Roberts.

In all, 141 municipal manpower hours -- overtime hours -- at a cost of $4,822 were worked to assist in the cleanup, the report said.

Big Woody’s Sports Bar and Restaurant sustained structural and water damage after a water main broke under the foundation of the building. Several sinkholes subsequently opened up as a result.

The business remains closed for possibly another month while the others in the Sullivan Trail strip center -- Jasmine, Ivy Cleaners and SuperCuts -- opened two weeks ago.