For Immediate Release
OFFICE OF THE PRESS SECRETARY
September 18, 2004

Statement on Federal Assistance for the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico

September 18, 2004

STATEMENT BY THE PRESS SECRETARY

The President today declared a major disaster exists in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and ordered Federal aid to supplement Commonwealth and local recovery efforts in the area struck by Tropical Storm Jeanne and resulting landslides and mudslides beginning on September 14, 2004, and continuing.

Federal funding is available on a cost share basis to Commonwealth and eligible local governments in all Commonwealth municipalities at 100 percent of the total eligible costs for debris removal and emergency protective measures, including direct Federal assistance. Federal funding is available at 100 percent of the total eligible costs for a period of up to 72 hours.

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

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

The Agency said that additional forms of assistance may be designated as soon as damage surveys can be completed in the affected area.

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

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