Federal Disaster Aid Approved for Wyoming 

Release Date: February 17, 1999
Release Number: 1268-01

» More Information on Wyoming Severe Winter Storm

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that President Clinton has made federal disaster funds available for Wyoming to help communities in Niobrara County recover from the effects of a severe winter storm that struck the area late last year.

FEMA Director James Lee Witt said the President’s major disaster declaration issued this afternoon authorizes the payment of 75 percent of the approved costs for restoring public facilities damaged as a result of the storm that produced freezing temperatures, snow, ice and high winds over the period of October 5-9, 1998.

Witt, who designated the county eligible for the aid following the declaration, said federal funds also will be available to the state on a cost-shared basis for approved projects that reduce future disaster risks.

The President's action, which grants the state’s appeal of a previous request for disaster aid, followed a review of FEMA’s analysis of recent damage data sufficient to warrant supplemental federal assistance.

Steve L. Olsen, of FEMA's regional office in Denver, Colo., was named by Witt to coordinate federal relief operations. Olsen said procedures for requesting assistance will be explained at a series of applicant briefings at locations to be announced shortly in the affected area.

Last Modified: Wednesday, 17-Dec-2003 18:26:13