For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
May 6, 2002

Statement by the Press Secretary

The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State of Missouri and ordered Federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms and tornadoes on April 24-28, 2002.

The President's action makes Federal funding available to local governments in a five county area. The counties include Bollinger, Butler, Carter, Howell, and Madison.

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 and tornadoes. 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 Carlos Mitchell 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.

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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