President Orders Disaster Aid for Arizona Flood Victims 

Release Date: October 27, 2000
Release Number: 1347-01

» More Information on Arizona Severe Storms And Flooding

Washington, DC -- Federal disaster aid was made available for Arizona today to help families and communities recover from flooding rains that hit the southern part of the state last weekend, according to the head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

FEMA Director James Lee Witt said the assistance was authorized under a major disaster declaration issued for the state by President Clinton. The declaration covers damage to private and public property from severe storms and flooding that began October 21.

Immediately after the President's action, Witt designated the counties of La Paz and Maricopa eligible for aid to flood-stricken residents and business owners.

The assistance, to be coordinated by FEMA, 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 to pay affected local governments 75 percent of the eligible cost for repairing or replacing damaged public facilities in the counties of Cochise, La Paz, and Santa Cruz. The declaration also makes cost-shared funding available to the state for approved projects that reduce future disaster risks.

Witt indicated that damage surveys are continuing and additional counties may be designated later based on the results of the assessments. He named David Fukutomi of FEMA to coordinate the federal relief effort.

Fukutomi said affected residents and business owners in La Paz and Maricopa counties 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 Saturday, October 28, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.

Last Modified: Friday, 07-Nov-2003 15:30:16