For Immediate Release
OFFICE OF THE
August 24, 2006

PRESS SECRETARY __________________________________________________________________________________________ FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 6, 2003

STATEMENT BY THE PRESS SECRETARY

The President today declared a major disaster exists in the Territory of American Samoa and ordered Federal aid to supplement Territory and local recovery efforts in the area struck by flooding and mudslides on May 19-21, 2003.

The President's action makes Federal funding available to affected individuals and local governments on the Island of Tutuila.

Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home 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.

Federal funding also is available to Territory and eligible local governments on the Island of Tutuila to pay part of the costs for the repair or replacement of public facilities damaged by the flooding and mudslides in the Territory of American Samoa.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-share basis for hazard mitigation measures.

Representing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary for Emergency Preparedness and Response, Department of Homeland Security, named William Lokey as the Federal Coordinating Officer for Federal recovery operations in the affected area.

The Agency said that damage surveys are continuing and additional designations may be made after assessments are completed.

The Agency said that procedures for requesting assistance in the affected area will be announced shortly by FEMA and Territory recovery officials.

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

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