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THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary


For Immediate Release February 23, 1996

STATEMENT BY THE PRESS SECRETARY

The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State of Montana and ordered Federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms, flooding, and ice jams on February 4, 1996 and continuing.

The President's action makes Federal funding available to affected local governments in a ten county area. The counties include Chouteau, Deer Lodge, Gallatin, Lewis & Clark, Lincoln, Meagher, Missoula, Ravalli, Sanders and Silver Bow.

Federal funding is available to eligible local governments on a cost-sharing basis for the repair or replacement of the public facilities damaged by the severe storms, flooding, and ice jams. Federal funding is also available on a cost share basis for hazard mitigation measures.

James L. Witt, Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), named David P. Grier, IV of FEMA's regional office in Denver, Colorado 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.

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