For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
September 28, 2001
President Orders Federal Disaster Aid for Florida
Statement by the Press Secretary
The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State of
Florida and ordered Federal aid to supplement state and local recovery
efforts in the area struck by severe storms, tornadoes and flooding
associated with Tropical Storm Gabrielle on September 13-21, 2001.
The President's action makes
Federal funding available to affected local governments in a seven
county area. The counties include Charlotte, DeSoto, Hardee, Manatee,
St. Johns, Sarasota and Flagler.
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, tornadoes and flooding
associated with
Tropical Storm Gabrielle.
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 Charles M. Butler
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
after the assessments are completed.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: FEMA (202) 646-4600.
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