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THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary


For Immediate Release January 29, 1998
                   PRESIDENT CLINTON DECLARES A MAJOR 
                     DISASTER EXISTS IN NEW MEXICO

The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State of New Mexico and ordered Federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area struck by a severe winter storm on December 22-25, 1997.

The President's action makes Federal funding available to affected local governments in the counties of Chaves, DeBaca, Eddy, Guadalupe, Lincoln, Mora, Quay, Torrance, and Union. Assistance is available on a cost-sharing basis for emergency protective measures and the repair or replacement of public facilities damaged by the severe winter storm.

The agency said that damage surveys are continuing in other areas, and additional counties may be added after the assessments are completed.

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