For Immediate Release
OFFICE OF THE PRESS SECRETARY
August 23, 2003
Statement on Federal Assistance for Pennsylvania
Statement by the Press Secretary
The President today declared a major disaster exists in the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and ordered federal aid to supplement
state and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms,
tornadoes and flooding on July 21, 2003, and continuing.
Federal funding is available to Commonwealth and eligible local
governments on a cost-sharing basis for the repair or replacement of
public facilities damaged by the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding
in the counties of Crawford, Forest, McKean, Mercer, Venango and
Warren.
Federal funding is also available on a cost-share basis for hazard
mitigation measures.
Representing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA),
Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary for Emergency Preparedness and
Response, Department of Homeland Security, named Thomas Davies as the
Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the
affected area.
Brown said that damage surveys are continuing in other areas, and
additional counties may be designated for assistance after the
assessments are completed.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: FEMA (202) 646-4600.
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