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

President Orders Federal Aid for Guam
Statement by the Press Secretary

The President today declared a major disaster exists in the Territory of Guam and ordered Federal aid to supplement territory and local recovery efforts in the area struck by Typhoon Chataan on July 5-6, 2002.

The President's action makes Federal funding available to the Territory of Guam.

Federal funding is available to eligible local governments on a cost-sharing basis for debris removal and emergency protective measures, including direct Federal assistance, at 75 percent Federal funding. 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 William L. Carwile, III 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 assistance and jurisdictions may be added after the assessments are completed.

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