For Immediate Release
OFFICE OF THE PRESS SECRETARY
September 19, 2004
Statement on Federal Assistance for Pennsylvania from Tropical Storm Frances
The President today declared a major disaster exists in the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and ordered Federal aid to supplement
State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms
and flooding associated with Tropical Storm Frances on September 8 and
9, 2004.
The President's action makes Federal funding available to affected
individuals in the counties of Beaver, Blair, and Crawford.
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 statewide.
Representing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA),
Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary for Emergency Preparedness and
Response, Department of Homeland Security, named Thomas Davies 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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