For Immediate Release
OFFICE OF THE PRESS SECRETARY
January 13, 2004
Statement on Federal Assistance for American Samoa
Statement by the Press Secretary
The President today declared a major disaster exists in the Territory
of American Samoa and ordered Federal aid to supplement Territory and
local recovery efforts in the area struck by high winds, high surf and
heavy rainfall associated with Tropical Cyclone Heta on January 2-6,
2004.
The President's action makes Federal funding available to the
Territory of American Samoa and the Island of Tutuila on a cost-sharing
basis for debris removal and emergency protective measures, including
direct Federal assistance under Public Assistance, at 75 percent
Federal funding.
Representing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA),
Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary for Emergency Preparedness and
Response, Department of Homeland Security, named Thomas J. Costello 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 designations and forms of assistance may be made after
the assessments are completed.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: FEMA (202) 646-4600.
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