THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

STATEMENT BY THE PRESS SECRETARY

President Declares Major Disaster in New York

The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State of New York and ordered Federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area impacted by "the Blizzard of 1996," which occurred on Jan. 6-12, 1996.

The President's action will make Federal funding available to local jurisdictions located in the State of New York. Specific designations will be made at a later date.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will provide reimubursement for the costs of equipment, contracts, and personnel overtime that are required to clear one lane in each direction along snow emergency routes (or select primary roads in those communities without such designated roadways), and routes necessary to allow the passage of emergency vehicles to hospitals, nursing homes, and other critical facilities.

Dear. Gov. Pataki:

As requested, I have declared a major disaster under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (the Stafford Act) for the State of New York due to damage resulting from "the Blizzard of 1996", which occured on Jan. 6-10, 1996. I have authorized Federal relief and recovery assistance in the affected area.

FEMA will provide reimbursement for the costs of equipment, contracts, and personnel overtime that are required to clear one lane in each direction along snow emergency routes (or select primary roads in those communities without such designated roadways), and routes necessary to allow the passage of emergency vehicles to hospitals, nursing homes, and other critical facilities. Other assistance may be added at a later date, if warranted. Consistent with the requirement that Federal assistance be supplemental, any Federal funds provided under the Stafford Act for Public Assistance will be limited to 75 percent of the total eligible costs.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will coordinate Federal assistance efforts and designate specific areas eligible for such assistance. The Federal Coordinating Officer will be Ms. Agnes Mravcak of FEMA. She will consult with you and assist in the execution of the FEMA-State Disaster Assistance Agreement governing the expenditure of Federal funds.

Sincerely,
/s/
Bill Clinton

Dear Mr. Witt:

I have determined that the damage in certain areas of the State of New York, resulting from "the Blizzard of 1996", which occurred on Jan. 6-10, 1996, is of sufficient severity and magnitude to warrant a major disaster declaration under the Robert T. Stafford Diaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act ("the Stafford Act"). I, therefore, declare that such a major disaster exists in the State of New York.

In order to provide Federal assistance, you are hereby authorized to allocate from funds available for these purposes, such amounts as you find necessary for Federal disaster assistance and administrative expenses.

You are authorized to provide reimbursement for the costs of equipment, contracts, and personnel overtime that are required to clear one lane in each direction along snow emergency routes (or select primary roads in those communities without such designated roadways), and routes necessary to allow the passage of emergency vehicles to hospitals, nursing homes, and other critical facilities. Other assistance may be added at a later date, if warranted. Consistent with the requirement that Federal assistance be supplemental, any Federal funds provided under the Stafford Act for Public Assistance will be limited to 75 percent of the total eligible costs.

Sincerely,
/s/
Bill Clinton