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THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary


For Immediate Release January 7, 1997

PRESIDENT CLINTON DECLARES MAJOR DISASTER IN WASHINGTON

President Clinton today declared a major disaster exists in the State of Washington and ordered Federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe ice storms beginning on November 19, 1996, and continuing through December 4, 1996.

The President's action makes Federal funding available to affected local governments in a three-county area. The counties include Klickitat, Pend Oreille, and Spokane.

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 ice storms. 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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