For Immediate Release
OFFICE OF THE PRESS SECRETARY
October 27, 2003
President Orders Federal Aid to 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 wildfires on October 21, 2003,
and continuing.
The President's action makes Federal funding available to affected
individuals in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Ventura
Counties.
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Mike Brown, Under Secretary for Emergency Preparedness and Response at the Department of Homeland Security, discussed the California fires on "Ask the White House."
Read the transcript.
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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 is available to State and eligible local
governments in the counties of Los Angeles, San Bernardino, San Diego,
and Ventura on a cost-sharing basis for debris removal and emergency
protective measures under the Public Assistance program, at 75 percent
Federal funding.
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 William L. Carwile,
III 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 more counties and additional forms of assistance may be designated
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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