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

President Declares Disaster Area in Texas
Statement by the Press Secretary

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

The President's action makes Federal funding available to affected individuals in Nueces county.

Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and 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.

Joe M. Allbaugh, Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), named Sandra L. Coachman 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 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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