For Immediate Release
OFFICE OF THE PRESS SECRETARY
December 11, 2002
Statement by the Press Secretary
The President today declared a major disaster exists in the
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and ordered Federal
aid to supplement Commonwealth and local recovery efforts in the area
struck by Super Typhoon Pongsona on December 8, 2002, and continuing.
Federal funding is available to the Commonwealth and the
affected local government on the Island of Rota on a cost-sharing basis
for debris removal and emergency protective measures under Public
Assistance, including direct Federal assistance, at 75 percent Federal
funding. 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 David Fukutomi as the Federal
Coordinating Officer for Federal recovery operations in the affected
area.
The Agency said that damage surveys are continuing and
additional assistance and other areas may be designated after the
assessments are completed.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: FEMA (202) 646-4600.
###
|