For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
August 13, 2004
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 areas struck by Tropical Storm Bonnie and
Hurricane Charley beginning on August 11, 2004, and continuing.
The President's action makes Federal funding available to affected
individuals in the counties of Charlotte, Lee, Manatee, and Sarasota.
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 also is available to State and eligible local
governments in the State of Florida on a cost-sharing basis for
debris removal and emergency protective measures at 75 percent Federal
funding.
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 E. Bolch 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
tomorrow 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 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: FEMA (202) 646-4600.
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