[Federal Register: November 18, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 222)]
[Notices]               
[Page 65079]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr18no03-78]                         

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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Federal Emergency Management Agency

[FEMA-1498-DR]

 
California; Major Disaster and Related Determinations

AGENCY: Federal Emergency Management Agency, Emergency Preparedness and 
Response Directorate, Department of Homeland Security.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: This is a notice of the Presidential declaration of a major 
disaster for the State of California (FEMA-1498-DR), dated October 27, 
2003, and related determinations.

EFFECTIVE DATE: October 27, 2003.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Magda Ruiz, Recovery Division, Federal 
Emergency Management Agency, Washington, DC 20472, (202) 646-2705.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notice is hereby given that, in a letter 
dated October 27, 2003, the President declared a major disaster under 
the authority of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency 
Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. 5121-5206 (the Stafford Act), as follows:

    I have determined that the damage in certain areas of the State 
of California resulting from wildfires on October 21, 2003, and 
continuing, is of sufficient severity and magnitude to warrant a 
major disaster declaration under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster 
Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. 5121-5206 (the 
Stafford Act). I, therefore, declare that such a major disaster 
exists in the State of California.
    In order to provide Federal assistance, you are hereby 
authorized to allocate from funds available for these purposes, such 
amounts as you find necessary for Federal disaster assistance and 
administrative expenses.
    You are authorized to provide Individual Assistance and 
assistance for debris removal (Category A) and emergency protective 
measures (Category B), under the Public Assistance program in the 
designated areas, Hazard Mitigation and any other forms of 
assistance under the Stafford Act you may deem appropriate subject 
to completion of Preliminary Damage Assessments. Consistent with the 
requirement that Federal assistance be supplemental, any Federal 
funds provided under the Stafford Act for Public Assistance, Hazard 
Mitigation, and the Other Needs Assistance under section 408 of the 
Stafford Act will be limited to 75 percent of the total eligible 
costs.
    Further, you are authorized to make changes to this declaration 
to the extent allowable under the Stafford Act.

    The time period prescribed for the implementation of section 
310(a), Priority to Certain Applications for Public Facility and Public 
Housing Assistance, 42 U.S.C. 5153, shall be for a period not to exceed 
six months after the date of this declaration.
    The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) hereby gives notice 
that pursuant to the authority vested in the Under Secretary for 
Emergency Preparedness and Response, Department of Homeland Security, 
under Executive Order 12148, as amended, William L. Carwile, III, of 
FEMA is appointed to act as the Federal Coordinating Officer for this 
declared disaster.
    I do hereby determine the following areas of the State of 
California to have been affected adversely by this declared major 
disaster:

    Los Angeles, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Ventura Counties for 
Individual Assistance and debris removal (Category A) and emergency 
protective measures (Category B) under the Public Assistance 
program.

    All counties within the State of California are eligible to apply 
for assistance under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.

(The following Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Numbers (CFDA) 
are to be used for reporting and drawing funds: 97.030, Community 
Disaster Loans; 97.031, Cora Brown Fund Program; 97.032, Crisis 
Counseling; 97.033, Disaster Legal Services Program; 97.034, 
Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA); 97.046, Fire Management 
Assistance; 97.048, Individual and Household Housing; 97.049, 
Individual and Household Disaster Housing Operations; 97.050 
Individual and Household Program--Other Needs, 97.036, Public 
Assistance Grants; 97.039, Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.)

Michael D. Brown,
Under Secretary, Emergency Preparedness and Response, Department of 
Homeland Security.
[FR Doc. 03-28744 Filed 11-17-03; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 6718-02-P