For Immediate Release
OFFICE OF THE PRESS SECRETARY
November 21, 2003
Statement on Federal Assistance for Puerto Rico
Statement by the Deputy Press Secretary
The President today declared a major disaster exists in the
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and ordered Federal aid to supplement
Commonwealth and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe
storms, flooding, mudslides, and landslides on November 10, 2003, and
continuing.
The President's action makes Federal funding available to affected
individuals in 9 municipalities. The municipalities include Gunica,
Guayama, Juana Diaz, Maunabo, Patillas, Ro Grande, Salinas, Santa
Isabel, and Yauco.
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 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 Justo Hernandez 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 municipalities and additional forms of assistance may be
designated for assistance after the assessments are completed. The
Agency said that residents and business owners who sustained losses in
the designated municipalities 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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