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THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release May 4, 1999

          PRESIDENT CLINTON DECLARES A MAJOR DISASTER EXISTS 
                        IN THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA

The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State of Oklahoma and ordered Federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area struck by tornadoes and severe storms May 3-4, 1999.

The President's action makes Federal funding available to affected individuals and local governments in an 11 county area. The counties include Caddo, Cleveland, Creek, Grady, McClain, Oklahoma, Kingfisher, Lincoln, Logan, Pottawatomie, and Tulsa.

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 provide appropriate assistance for required debris removal and emergency protective measures (Categories A and B) under the Public Assistance program as authorized.

Federal funding is also available on a cost share basis for hazard mitigation measures.

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

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