View Header

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary


For Immediate Release January 24, 1996

PRESIDENT DECLARES MAJOR DISASTER IN RHODE ISLAND

The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State of Rhode Island and ordered Federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area struck by the "Blizzard of 1996" which occurred on January 7-13, 1996.

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

FEMA will provide reimbursement for the costs of equipment, contacts, 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.

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

For further information contact: FEMA 202/646-4600.