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THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release April 21, 1995

          PRESIDENT DECLARES MAJOR DISASTER EXISTS IN ALABAMA 
                  AND ORDERS SUPPLEMENTAL FEDERAL AID

The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State of Alabama and ordered Federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding from February 15, 1995 through February 20, 1995.

The President's action makes Federal funding available to affected individuals and local governments in a five-county area. The counties include Cullman, DeKalb, Marion, Marshall, and Winston Counties.

Assistance can include temporary 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.

Federal funding also is available to eligible local governments on a cost-sharing basis for the repair or replacement of public facilities damaged by the storm system.

James L. Witt, Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), named Edward A. Thomas of FEMA's regional office in Boston, Mass. to coordinate Federal recovery operations in the affected area.

The Agency said that damage surveys are continuing in other areas, and additional counties may be added after the assessments are completed.

The Agency said that the residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated counties can begin applying for assistance immediately by calling 1-800-462-9029, or 1- 800-462-7582 (TDD) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (CST) seven days a week until further notice.

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