Release Date: August 7, 2002
Release Number: HQ-02-130
» More Information on Northern Mariana Islands Typhoon Chata'an
Washington, D. C. -- The head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that federal disaster funds have been made available for the Northern Mariana Islands to help local governments on the island of Rota recover from the effects of Typhoon Chata'an.
FEMA Director Joe M. Allbaugh said the aid was authorized under a major disaster declaration issued by President Bush last night following a review of the agency's analysis of the commonwealth's request for federal relief.
Following the declaration, Allbaugh designated the island of Rota eligible for federal funding to pay affected local governments 75 percent of the approved cost for debris removal, emergency services related to the disaster, and the restoration of public facilities damaged by the storm that occurred over the period of July 4-5. Funds also will be available for the commonwealth for approved projects that reduce future disaster risks.
Allbaugh indicated that other areas and additional forms of assistance may be designated later if requested and warranted by the results of further damage assessments. He named William L. Carwile III of FEMA to coordinate the federal recovery effort.
Carwile said that procedures for requesting the assistance will be explained a series of applicant briefings at locations to be announced shortly in the affected area.
Last Modified: Thursday, 31-Jul-2003 13:25:01