For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
September 22, 2004
President Visits Flood Area of Pennsylvania on Wednesday
President's Statement on Recovery Efforts
Millvale, Pennsylvania
4:19 P.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: Listen, thank you all for coming. I have just
flown over Allegheny County. I have seen the devastation that took
place. The storm and the floods were lethal, and they cause a lot of
heartache and damage. I know there are people in this part of our
country who are grieving for lost ones and we send our prayers to all
who grieve.
I know there are people here who are concerned as to whether or not
they'll ever get their life back together. I hope my visit here with
the senators and congressmen say as clearly as we can that we care
about the devastation that took place; that we understand the federal
government has an obligation to help, and we will.
Most of all, I'm here to thank the people of this community who
have risen up to deal with the hardship. My message not only is to the
people of the Millvale, but is to Etna and Carnegie, as well,
communities in this part of the world that were hard hit. You know,
the volunteer firefighters here, I was honored to be able to shake
hands with some. I looked in the guy's eyes and said, "You got flood
eyes" -- obviously, he had no sleep. He's doing all he could do to
help save lives and help begin to heal the hurt.
The first thing I want to do is thank all the first responders,
firefighters and police -- (applause) -- and the EMS teams. I want to
thank Dave Sango, of the state of Pennsylvania for -- he's the FEMA,
he's the emergency management director who has been on top of the
situation ever since the flood started to come. I'm absolutely
convinced that as a result of the coordination between the federal
government, the state government and local governments loss of life had
been minimized. Dave has done a terrific job, and I appreciate your
service to your state. (Applause.)
Mike Brown is with me -- he's the head of the FEMA. I'm down here
to let people know that FEMA is going to move quickly. The best way to
make sure people understand FEMA is going to move quickly is bring the
main guy with me, and let the mayor -- Mayor Burn -- talk to him and
county executive of Allegheny Country. I wanted him to hear firsthand
what the people in these communities and this county have been
through. And I want Brown to know that he's going to respond as
quickly as he can; and that's what I want the people to know.
I want to thank the local officials who are working hard to help
the people in this community. You know, what happens when these
disasters hit, the real character of a community comes out, people show
up, neighbors love neighbors, firefighters help save lives. You met
the storm -- this storm with compassion and courage. You showed the
true spirit of the American people by how you've responded and are
responding to this -- these floods.
I want to thank the National Guard and Coast Guardsmen who worked
hard all across the state of Pennsylvania to save lives and do their
duty. I want to thank the power workers, people that -- and the
telephone crews -- for getting electricity back up and running for the
people of this part of the world. I know there are some homes that
still don't have their electricity hooked up, but I've been assured
that the power company is working as hard as they can to get
electricity up. I know there's some people without natural gas. I
know they're working hard to get the natural gas lines fixed so people
can have power in their homes.
I appreciate the men and women of the Red Cross. The Red Cross has
been tested during the last months. I've seen Red Cross workers all
across our country. They're out there providing compassion and care.
The Red Cross is a great organization, mainly because it's got great
workers, people who care a lot.
I want to thank the faith-based communities who have been
responding to this disaster. You know, the concept of neighbor loving
neighbor is a powerful concept, it helps lift people's spirits. I met
the lady who runs the food bank here. She's working overtime to make
sure people have got something to eat. I want to appreciate all those
who are working at the food banks. I asked her, I said, "Do you have
enough food to make sure the good people of this part of the world got
something on the table to eat?" She said, "Absolutely." People are
responding to the crisis and out of the harm is coming some good.
I want to let you know that we're dedicated to responding as
quickly as we possibly can. I've been told that those who have
registered with FEMA have started to receive checks. I urge people to
find out the facts, to get 800 numbers that are available, and to sign
up for help. We can't help you unless you sign up for the help.
Again, I want to reassure the people of Western Pennsylvania that a
lot of people are praying for you. You know, I saw the look in the
people's eyes when I was driving through the town here -- small
business owners and entrepreneurs whose businesses were destroyed,
their stuff piled up in front of their business, wondering whether or
not there's a future. There is a future. I predict to you, Mr. Mayor,
that within a reasonable period of time this town is going to be back
on its feet, better than ever, more hopeful -- (applause.)
We ask God's blessings on everybody who lives here. And may God
continue to bless our country. Thank you all for coming. (Applause.)
END 4:25 P.M. EDT
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