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THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release May 10, 1995

PRESIDENT CLINTON DECLARES LOUISIANA A DISASTER AREA

The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State of Louisiana and ordered Federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms, tornadoes and flooding on May 8 through 9, 1995.

The President's action makes Federal funding available to affected individuals in St. Charles Parish.

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.

Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) James L. Witt, who was in New Orleans today, named G. Clay Hollister of FEMA's national office in Washington, D.C. to coordinate Federal recovery operations in the affected area.

Damage surveys are continuing in other areas, and additional counties may be added after the assessments are completed.

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- 800-462-7585 (TDD) for the hearing 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.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT: FEMA (202) 646- 4600.