President Orders Disaster Aid For Puerto Rico Flood Victims
Release Date: November 21, 2003
Release Number: HQ-03-241
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WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that President Bush has authorized the use of federal disaster funds to help families and businesses in Puerto Rico recover from the effects of flooding rains that started early last week.
Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response, said the President took the action under a major disaster declaration issued after a review of FEMA's analysis of the Commonwealth's request for federal relief. The declaration covers damage to private property from severe storms, flooding, mudslides and landslides that began on November 10.
Immediately after the declaration, Brown designated the following nine municipalities eligible for aid to stricken residents and business owners: Guánica, Guayama, Juana Diaz, Maunabo, Patillas, Rio Grande, Salinas, Santa Isabel and Yauco.
The assistance, to be coordinated by FEMA, 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 available to the Commonwealth on a cost-shared basis for approved projects that reduce future disaster risks.
Brown indicated that damage surveys are continuing and more municipalities and additional forms of assistance may be designated later based on the results of the assessments. He named Justo Hernandez of FEMA to coordinate the federal relief effort.
Hernandez said affected residents and business owners in the designated municipalities can begin the disaster application process 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 be available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.
On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Saturday, 22-Nov-2003 13:15:55