President Orders Disaster Aid for Texas Ice Storm Victims 

Release Date: January 8, 2001
Release Number: 1356-01

» More Information on Texas Severe Winter Storm

Washington, DC -- The head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that federal disaster aid has been made available to help families and businesses in three north Texas counties recover from the effects of a series of crippling ice storms that hit the state last month.

FEMA Director James Lee Witt said President Clinton authorized the assistance under a major disaster declaration issued late this afternoon following a review of the agency's analysis of the state's request for federal relief submitted yesterday. The declaration covers damage to private property from the storms that began December 12.

Immediately after the declaration, Witt designated the counties of Bowie, Cass and Red River eligible for federal funding to help meet the recovery needs of stricken residents and business owners.

The assistance, to be coordinated by FEMA, can include grants to help pay for temporary housing, emergency 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.

Additionally, Witt said federal funds will be provided for the state and affected local governments in the three designated counties to pay 75 percent of the eligible costs for debris removal and emergency services related to the storms. The declaration also makes funding available to the state on a cost--shared basis for approved projects that reduce future disaster risks.

Witt 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. He named A. D. Rodham of FEMA to coordinate the federal relief effort.

Rodham said residents and business owners who sustained storm losses in the designated counties can begin the disaster application process on Tuesday, January 9, by calling 1--800--462--9029, or 1--800--462--7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll--free telephone numbers will operate from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 21-Oct-2003 11:50:35