For Immediate Release
OFFICE OF THE PRESS SECRETARY
September 18, 2004
Statement on Federal Assistance for the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
September 18, 2004
STATEMENT BY THE 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 Tropical
Storm Jeanne and resulting landslides and mudslides beginning on
September 14, 2004, and continuing.
Federal funding is available on a cost share basis to Commonwealth
and eligible local governments in all Commonwealth municipalities at
100 percent of the total eligible costs for debris removal and
emergency protective measures, including direct Federal assistance.
Federal funding is available at 100 percent of the total eligible costs
for a period of up to 72 hours.
Federal funding is also available on a cost-share basis for hazard
mitigation measures for the entire Commonwealth.
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 that additional forms of assistance may be
designated as soon as damage surveys can be completed in the affected
area.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: FEMA (202) 646-4600.
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