For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
September 21, 2001
President Orders Federal Funding for Virginia
Statement by the Press Secretary
The President today declared a major disaster exists in the Commonwealth of Virginia and ordered Federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area struck by fires and explosions on September 11, 2001.
The
President's action makes Federal funding available to affected
individuals and local governments in Arlington County.
Assistance can include funds to help meet
temporary housing needs, grants
for medical, funeral and other serious disaster-related
expenses, and
low-interest loans from the U.S.
Small Business Administration to cover residential and business losses
not fully compensated by insurance or other agencies.
Unemployment assistance and funding for crisis counseling
services also will be available under the declaration.
Federal funding is available to eligible local
governments for debris removal and emergency protective
measures at 100% as a result of the fires
and explosions. 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 Thomas Davies as the Federal
Coordinating Officer for Federal recovery operations in the affected
area.
The Agency said that other
areas may be added for assistance at a later date.
Help with funeral expenses, medical costs, counseling,
lost wages and loss
of financial support, is available to victims
of this crime and their family members
through the Virginia Victims of Crime Compensation
Commission. To access this assistance, Virginia residents
and out-of-state residents should call 1-866-827-3543.
Residents of Virginia and surrounding states unemployed as a result
of this crime may apply for these benefits through their state
employment agencies.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: FEMA (202) 646-4600.
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