For Immediate Release
OFFICE OF THE PRESS SECRETARY
August 23, 2003

Statement on Federal Assistance for Pennsylvania
Statement by the Press Secretary

The President today declared a major disaster exists in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and ordered federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms, tornadoes and flooding on July 21, 2003, and continuing.

Federal funding is available to Commonwealth and eligible local governments on a cost-sharing basis for the repair or replacement of public facilities damaged by the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding in the counties of Crawford, Forest, McKean, Mercer, Venango and Warren.

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 Thomas Davies as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area.

Brown said that damage surveys are continuing in other areas, and additional counties may be designated for assistance after the assessments are completed.

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

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