For Immediate Release
OFFICE OF THE PRESS SECRETARY
October 7, 2004
Statement on Federal Assistance for South Carolina
The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State of
South Carolina and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local
recovery efforts in the area struck by Tropical Storm Frances beginning
on September 6, 2004, and continuing.
The President's action makes Federal funding available to affected
individuals in the counties of Calhoun, Cherokee, Chester,
Chesterfield, Clarendon, Darlington, Dillon, Fairfield, Florence,
Greenville, Horry, Kershaw, Lancaster, Lee, Lexington, Marion,
Marlboro, Newberry, Oconee, Pickens, Richland, Spartanburg, Sumter,
Williamsburg, and York.
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 Michael Bolch as the
Federal Coordinating Officer for Federal recovery operations in the
affected area.
The Agency said additional designations may be made at a later date
if requested by the State and warranted by the results of further
damage assessments.
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 be in
operation 24-hours a day, seven days a week until further notice.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: FEMA (202) 646-4600.
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