For Immediate Release
OFFICE OF THE PRESS SECRETARY
September 19, 2004
Statement on Federal Assistance for Ohio
The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State
of Ohio and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery
efforts in the area struck by severe storms and flooding beginning on
September 8, 2004, and continuing.
The President's action makes Federal funding available to affected
individuals in the counties of Belmont, Carroll, Columbiana, Guernsey,
Harrison, Jefferson, Monroe, Morgan, Muskingum, Noble, Perry, Stark,
Trumbull, Tuscarawas, and Washington for the remnants of Hurricanes
Frances and Ivan.
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 also available on a cost-share basis for hazard
mitigation measures statewide.
Representing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA),
Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary for Emergency Preparedness and
Response, Department of Homeland Security, named Lee Champagne 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 more counties and additional forms of assistance may be designated
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 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
24-hours day, seven days a week until further notice.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: FEMA (202) 646-4600.
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