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THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release April 14, 1997

PRESIDENT CLINTON DECLARES MAJOR DISASTER IN ARKANSAS

President Clinton today declared a major disaster exists in the state of Arkansas and ordered Federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms and flooding on April 4, 1997, and continuing.

"Hillary and I are keeping the people of Arkansas in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time," the President said. "They have already endured a lot this year. We'll do our best to help them recover as quickly as possible and start building again."

The President's action will make Federal funding available to affected individuals in Ouachita County.

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 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 in the counties of Cleburne, Columbia, Grant, Ouachita, and Sharp. Federal funding is available on a cost-sharing 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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