For Immediate Release
OFFICE OF THE PRESS SECRETARY
September 16, 2004

Statement on Federal Assistance for Mississippi

September 16, 2004

STATEMENT BY THE PRESS SECRETARY

The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State of Mississippi and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by Hurricane Ivan beginning on September 13, 2004, and continuing.

The President's action makes Federal funding available to affected individuals in the counties of George, Hancock, Harrison, Jackson, Perry, Stone, and Wayne Counties.

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 also is available to State and eligible local governments in the counties of Clarke, Covington, Forrest, George, Greene, Hancock, Harrison, Jackson, Jefferson Davis, Jones, Kemper, Lamar, Lauderdale, Lowndes, Marion, Neshoba, Newton, Noxubee, Pearl River, Perry, Smith, Stone, and Walthall for debris removal and emergency protective measures, including direct Federal assistance. For a period of up to 72 hours, assistance for debris removal and emergency protective measures, including direct Federal assistance, will be funded at 100 percent of the total eligible costs.

Federal funding is 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 Alexander S. Wells as the Federal Coordinating Officer for Federal recovery operations in the affected area.

The Agency said that more counties and additional forms of assistance may be designated as soon as damage surveys can be completed in the affected area.

The Agency said that those who sustained losses in the counties designated for aid to affected residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated counties can begin applying for assistance 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 be in operation 24 hours a day, seven days a week until further notice.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: FEMA (202) 646-4600.

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