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THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary


For Immediate Release December 9, 1996

PRESIDENT CLINTON DECLARES MAJOR DISASTER IN NEW YORK

President Clinton today declared a major disaster exists in the State of New York and ordered Federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe thunderstorms, high winds, rain, and flooding on November 8-15, 1996.

The President's action makes Federal funding available to affected individuals in a six- county area. The counties include Clinton, Essex, Fulton, Montgomery, Schuyler and Steuben.

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 is also available to eligible local governments on a cost-sharing basis for the repair or replacement of public facilities damaged by the severe thunderstorms, high winds, rain, and flooding. Eligible counties include Chemung, Clinton, Delaware, Essex, Fulton, Lewis, Montgomery, Schoharie, Schuyler, Tompkins, and Steuben Counties. Federal funding is also available on a cost-share basis for hazard mitigation measures.

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

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