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THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary


For Immediate Release September 23, 1998
                PRESIDENT CLINTON DECLARES MAJOR DISASTER
                      EXISTS IN THE STATE OF TEXAS

The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State of Texas and ordered Federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms and flooding associated with Tropical Storm Frances beginning September 9, 1998, and continuing.

The President's action makes Federal funding available to affected individuals in the counties of Brazoria, Galveston, and Harris.

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 on a cost share basis for hazard mitigation measures.

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

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