THE WHITE HOUSE

OFFICE OF THE PRESS SECRETARY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 27, 1993

The White House announced today that the President has declared that a major disaster exists in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The President ordered Federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms and tornadoes on August 6, 1993.

The President's action makes Federal funding available to affected individuals in the city of Petersburg.

Assistance can include disaster housing, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

James L. Witt, Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), named Robert Gunter of FEMA's regional office in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to coordinate Federal recovery operations in the affected area.

The Agency said that residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated area can begin applying for assistance immediately by calling 1-800-462-9029, or 1-800-462-7585 (TDD) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (EST) seven days a week until further notice.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: FEMA (202) 646-4600