For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
September 28, 2001

President Orders Federal Disaster Aid for Florida
Statement by the Press Secretary

The  President  today  declared  a  major  disaster  exists in the State of Florida  and  ordered  Federal  aid  to supplement state and local recovery efforts  in  the  area  struck  by  severe  storms,  tornadoes and flooding associated with Tropical Storm Gabrielle on September 13-21, 2001.

The  President's  action  makes Federal funding available to affected local governments in a seven county area. The counties include Charlotte, DeSoto, Hardee, Manatee, St. Johns, Sarasota and Flagler.

Federal   funding   is   available  to  eligible  local  governments  on  a cost-sharing  basis  for  the  repair  or  replacement of public facilities damaged  by  the  severe  storms,  tornadoes  and  flooding associated with Tropical  Storm  Gabrielle.   Federal  funding  is also available on a cost share basis for hazard mitigation measures.

Joe  M.  Allbaugh,  Director  of  the  Federal  Emergency Management Agency (FEMA),  named  Charles  M.  Butler 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 additional counties may be added after the assessments are completed.

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

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