President Orders Disaster Aid For Kansas Tornado Victims 

Release Date: May 4, 1999
Release Number: 1273-01

» More Information on Kansas Tornadoes and Severe Storms

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Federal disaster aid has been made available for Kansas to supplement the recovery needs of tornado-ravaged families and businesses in Sedgwick County, according to the head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

FEMA Director James Lee Witt said President Clinton authorized the assistance this afternoon immediately after reviewing the agency's analysis of the state's expedited request for federal relief. The President's major disaster declaration covers damage from severe storms and tornadoes that hit the state starting May 3.

Witt, who designated Sedgwick County eligible for aid following the declaration, said assistance for stricken individuals and families can include grants to help pay for temporary housing, minor 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 county to pay 75 percent of the eligible cost for debris removal and emergency services related to the disaster. The declaration also makes cost-shared funding available to the state for approved projects that reduce future disaster risks.

Witt indicated that more counties and additional forms of assistance for state and local government agencies may be designated later based on further damage assessments. He named Curtis D. Musgrave of FEMA to serve as the federal coordinating officer for the relief effort.

Musgrave said affected residents and business owners in Sedgwick County can begin the disaster application process by calling 1-800-462-9029, or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will be available starting Wednesday, May 5, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.

Last Modified: Wednesday, 17-Dec-2003 16:02:48