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THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release May 6, 1996

STATEMENT BY THE PRESS SECRETARY

The President today declared a major disaster exits in the State of Illinois and ordered Federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms and flooding.

The President's action makes Federal funding available to affected individuals and local governments in a two county area. The counties include Franklin and St. Clair.

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.

Federal funding also is available to eligible local governments on a cost-sharing basis for the repair or replacement of public facilities damaged by the severe storms and flooding. 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 Ron Sherman of FEMA's regional office in Chicago, Illinois 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. (CT) seven days a week until further notice.

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