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THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary


For Immediate Release April 14, 1994

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary


For Immediate Release April 14, 1994
           PRESIDENT CLINTON DECLARES A MAJOR DISASTER IN 
                             TENNESSEE

The President today declared a major disaster in the state of Tennessee and ordered federal funds to supplement state and local recovery efforts in areas struck by rainfall and flash flooding on March 25 through April 3, 1994

The President's action makes federal funding available to individuals and families in five counties: Blount, Hamilton, Polk, Sevier and Unicoi.

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

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is continuing to conduct damage surveys in other areas and additional counties may be added after the assessments are complete.

Also today, FEMA Director James Lee Witt named Melvin J. Schneider of FEMA's regional office in Atlanta, Georgia to coordinate Federal recovery operations in the affected area.

Residents and business owners who sustained losses in designated counties 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 AM to 6 PM (CST) seven days a week until further notice.

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