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THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release October 24, 1996

PRESIDENT CLINTON DECLARES A STATE OF EMERGENCY IN MAINE

President Clinton today declared an emergency exists in the State of Maine and ordered Federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms, heavy rains, high winds, and inland and coastal flooding on October 20, 1996, and continuing.

"Today I am declaring that a major emergency exists in Maine. I am directing the head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, James Lee Witt, to travel to Maine to review the damage and ensure a prompt, effective response to this terrible disaster," President Clinton said.

"I commend the people of Maine for their resilience in the face of such adversity and our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time," President Clinton said.

The President's action makes Federal funding available to the counties of Cumberland and York. Specifically, the declaration provides funding for disaster housing, debris removal, and emergency protective measures.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is continuing to conduct damage surveys and additional designations may be made after the assessments are completed.

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