President Orders Disaster Aid For Texas Hurricane Recovery
Release Date: July 18, 2003
Release Number: HQ-03-153
» More Information on Texas Hurricane Claudette
Washington, D.C. -- The head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that President Bush has declared a major disaster for Texas, opening the way for the use of federal disaster funds to help families and businesses recover from the effects of Hurricane Claudette.
Michael D. Brown, FEMA Director and Under Secretary for Emergency Preparedness and Response at the Department of Homeland Security, said the President authorized the aid last night immediately after receiving FEMA's analysis of the state's request for federal relief. The declaration covers damage to private property from the hurricane that swept ashore along the state's middle coastline on July 15.
"President Bush acted quickly because he recognizes that people need help to recover from the damage caused by this storm," Brown said. "The Department of Homeland Security and FEMA will do all we can to ensure that those in need get assistance as fast and efficiently as possible."
After the declaration, Brown designated the counties of Calhoun, Jackson, Matagorda, Refugio and Victoria eligible for aid to stricken residents that can include grants to help pay for temporary housing, home repairs and other serious disaster-related expenses. Low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration also will be available to cover residential and business losses not fully compensated by insurance.
In addition, Brown said federal funds will be provided for the state and affected local governments in the five designated counties to pay 75 percent of the eligible cost for emergency protective measures that were undertaken in response to the hurricane. The declaration also makes cost-shared funding available to the state for approved projects that reduce future disaster risks.
Brown indicated that damage surveys are continuing and more counties and additional forms of assistance for state and local government agencies may be designated later based on the results of the assessments.
Carlos Mitchell of FEMA was named by Brown to coordinate the federal relief effort. Mitchell said affected residents and business owners in the designated counties can begin the disaster application process 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 be available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.
Last Modified: Friday, 18-Jul-2003 16:33:23