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THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release May 12, 1995

PRESIDENT CLINTON DECLARES MISSISSIPPI A DISASTER AREA

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

The President's action makes Federal funding available to affected individuals in a three county area. The counties include Hancock, Harrison, and Pearl River.

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.

James L. Witt, Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), named Michael J. Polny of FEMA's regional office in Atlanta, Georgia 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 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 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.

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

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