For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
November 28, 2001
President Orders Federal Aid for Disaster in Puerto Rico
Statement by the Press Secretary on Puerto Rico
The President today declared a major disaster exists in the
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and ordered Federal aid to supplement
Commonwealth and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe
storms, flooding, mudslides and landslides on November 7, 2001 and
continuing.
The President's action makes Federal funding available to local
governments in the municipalities of Barranquitas, Bayamn, Ciales,
Corozal, Jayuya, Juncos, Morovis, Naranjito, San Lorenzo, and Utuado.
Federal funding is available to eligible local governments on a
cost-sharing basis for the repair or replacement of public facilities
damaged by the severe storms, flooding, mudslides and
landslides. Federal funding is also available on a cost
share basis for hazard mitigation measures.
Joe M. Allbaugh, Director of the Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA), named Justo Hernndez as the Federal Coordinating Officer
for Federal recovery operations in the affected area.
The Agency said that damage surveys are continuing in other areas,
and additional assistance and municipalities may be added after the
assessments are completed.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: FEMA (202) 646-4600.
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