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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 Alabama and ordered Federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area struck by a severe winter storm, ice and flooding on February 1-12, 1996.

The President's action makes Federal funding available to affected local governments in a six county area. The counties include Cullman, DeKalb, Jackson, Limestone, Marshall and Morgan.

Federal funding is available to eligible local governments on a cost-sharing basis for the repair or replacement of public facilities damaged by the severe winter storm, ice and flooding.

James L. Witt, Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), named Glenn C. Woodard 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.

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