President Declares Major Disaster for U. S. Virgin Islands
Release Date: October 29, 2008
Release Number: HQ-08-241
» More Information on US Virgin Islands Hurricane Omar
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today announced that federal disaster aid has been made available for the territory of the U. S. Virgin Islands and ordered federal aid to supplement territory recovery efforts in the area struck by Hurricane Omar during the period of October 14-16, 2008.
FEMA Administrator David Paulison said federal funding is available to the territory and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by Hurricane Omar on the islands of St. Croix and St. Thomas, including Water Island.
Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures for all islands in the territory of the U. S. Virgin Islands.
Paulison named Marianne C. Jackson as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area.
Jackson said that damage surveys are continuing in other areas, and more islands and additional forms of assistance may be designated after the assessments are fully completed.
FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 29-Oct-2008 13:19:32