For Immediate Release
OFFICE OF THE PRESS SECRETARY
September 16, 2004

Statement on Federal Assistance for South Carolina

The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State of South Carolina and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by Tropical Storm Gaston on August 28-30, 2004.

Federal funding is available to State and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the Tropical Storm Gaston in the counties of Berkeley, Charleston and Williamsburg.

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

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

The Agency said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the State and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

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

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