Statement by the Press Secretary on Federal Assistance for Delaware

The President yesterday declared a major disaster exists in the State of Delaware and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by Tropical Storm Henri on September 15, 2003.

The President's action makes Federal funding available to affected individuals in New Castle County.

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 is available to State and eligible local governments in New Castle County on a cost-sharing basis for the repair or replacement of public facilities damaged by Tropical Storm Henri.

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 Michael J. Hall as the Federal Coordinating Officer for Federal recovery operations in the affected area.

The Agency said that residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated counties can begin applying for assistance tomorrow by calling 1-800-621-FEMA(3362), or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.

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