For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
December 9, 2002

Statement by the Press Secretary

The President 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 Super Typhoon Pongsona, beginning on December 8, 2002, and continuing.

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 at 75 percent Federal funding. Direct Federal assistance is authorized.

In addition, Federal funding is available on a cost share basis for hazard mitigation measures.

Joe M. Allbaugh, Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), named David Fukutomi as the Federal Coordinating Officer for Federal recovery operations in the affected area.

The Agency said that damage surveys are continuing and additional assistance and jurisdictions may be added after the assessments are completed.

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

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