For Immediate Release
OFFICE OF THE PRESS SECRETARY
December 9, 2003
Statement on Federal Assistance for Virginia
Statement by the Press Secretary
The President today declared a major disaster exists in the
Commonwealth of Virginia and ordered Federal aid to supplement
Commonwealth and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe
storms and flooding on November 18-19, 2003.
The President's action makes Federal funding available in the
counties of Bland, Buchanan, Giles, Smyth, Tazewell, and the
independent City of Galax.
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 Louis H. Botta 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 jurisdictions 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 jurisdictions 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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