For Immediate Release
OFFICE OF THE PRESS SECRETARY
January 13, 2004
Statement on Federal Assistance for California
Statement by the Press Secretary
The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State of
California and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local
recovery efforts in the area struck by an earthquake on December 22,
2003, and continuing.
The President's action makes Federal funding available to affected
individuals in the county of San Luis Obispo.
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 on a cost-sharing basis for the repair or replacement of
public facilities damaged by the earthquake in the counties of San Luis
Obispo and Santa Barbara.
In addition, Federal funding is 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 Peter Martinasco 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 State and warranted by the results of further
damage assessments.
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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