For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
May 10, 2003
Statement on Federal Assistance for Oklahoma
The President declared a major disaster exists in the State of Oklahoma
and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts
in the area struck by severe storms and tornadoes on May 8, 2003, and
continuing.
The President's action makes Federal funding available to affected
individuals in the counties of Canadian, Cleveland, Grady, Kingfisher,
Lincoln, Logan, McClain, Oklahoma, and Pottawatomie.
Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs,
low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to
help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the
disaster.
Federal funding is available to State and eligible local governments in
the counties of Cleveland and Oklahoma on a cost-sharing basis for
debris removal and emergency protective measures at 75 percent Federal
funding.
In addition, Federal funding is also available on a cost-share basis for
hazard mitigation measures.
Representing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Michael D.
Brown, Undersecretary for Emergency Preparedness and Response,
Department of Homeland Security, named Justin DeMello 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 counties may be added for assistance after the assessments
are completed.
The Agency said that residents and business owners who sustained losses
in the designated counties can begin applying for assistance tomorrow by
calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing
and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from
8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: FEMA (202) 646-4600.
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