For Immediate Release
OFFICE OF THE PRESS SECRETARY
December 9, 2003
Statement on Federal Assistance for U.S. Virgin Islands
Statement by the Press Secretary
The President today declared a major disaster exists in the U.S. Virgin
Islands and ordered Federal aid to supplement territory recovery
efforts in the area struck by severe storms, flooding, landslides, and
mudslides on November 10-16, 2003.
Federal funding is available to territorial governments on a
cost-sharing basis for the repair or replacement of public facilities
damaged by the severe storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides.
Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing 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 Brad Gair 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 Territory and warranted by the results of further
damage assessments.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: FEMA (202) 646-4600.
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