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 Michigan and ordered Federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area struck by flooding on April 15, 2002, and continuing.

The President's action makes Federal funding available to local governments in a five county area. The counties include Baraga, Gogebic, Houghton, Marquette, and Ontonagon.

Federal funding is available to eligible local governments on a cost-sharing basis for the repair or replacement of public facilities damaged by the flooding. 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 James Roche 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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