Emergency Aid Ordered For North Carolina Hurricane Response
Release Date: September 1, 1999
Release Number: 3141-01
» More Information on North Carolina Hurricane Dennis
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Federal resources and funds were made available today to support hurricane response efforts in North Carolina under an emergency declaration issued by President Clinton, according to the head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
FEMA Director James Lee Witt said the President took the action this afternoon following a review of the agency's analysis of the state's request for emergency assistance as a result of Hurricane Dennis, which began affecting North Carolina's coastline on August 29.
Witt said the emergency declaration authorizes the agency to provide federal personnel, equipment, supplies and other materials required to meet immediate human needs, safeguard property and protect public health and safety.
Additionally, federal funding will be available to the state and affected local governments to pay 75 percent of the eligible costs for emergency services related to the hurricane, including requested emergency work undertaken by the federal government, in the counties of Brunswick, Carteret, Currituck, Dare, Hyde, New Hanover, Onslow, Pamlico and Pender.
Eligible work undertaken by the federal government can include search and rescue operations; temporary facilities for schools and other community services; demolition of unsafe structures; transportation of emergency workers, equipment and supplies; and other assistance to help alleviate immediate threats to life and property.
Witt, who designated the counties eligible for the emergency aid following the declaration, indicated that the need for additional forms of federal assistance will be determined as soon as damage assessments can be completed in the stricken areas. He named Glenn C. Woodard, of FEMA's regional office in Atlanta, to coordinate the federal response effort.
Last Modified: Monday, 01-Dec-2003 16:11:48