Emergency Aid Ordered For Georgia Hurricane Response
Release Date: September 14, 1999
Release Number: 3144-01
» More Information on Georgia Hurricane Floyd
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Federal resources and funds were made available today to support hurricane response efforts in Georgia 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 expedited request for emergency assistance because of Hurricane Floyd, which began affecting Georgia's coastline earlier today.
Witt said the emergency declaration authorizes the agency to provide federal personnel, equipment, supplies and other materials as required to meet immediate human needs, protect property and insure 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 debris removal and emergency services related to the hurricane, including requested emergency work undertaken by the federal government, in the following counties: Bryan, Camden, Chatham, Glynn, Liberty and McIntosh.
Eligible work undertaken by the federal government can include debris removal; 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 affected areas. He named Bryant Harrison, of FEMA's regional office in Bothell, Wash., to coordinate the federal response effort.
Last Modified: Monday, 01-Dec-2003 16:02:46