For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
May 6, 2002
Statement by the Press Secretary
The President today declared a major disaster exists in the
State of Missouri and ordered Federal aid to supplement state and
local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms and
tornadoes on April 24-28, 2002.
The President's action makes Federal funding available to local
governments in a five county area. The counties include Bollinger,
Butler, Carter, Howell, and Madison.
Federal funding is available to eligible local
governments on a cost-sharing basis for the repair or
replacement of public facilities damaged by the severe storms and
tornadoes. 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 Carlos Mitchell 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 additional counties may be added 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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