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THE WHITE HOUSE

OFFICE OF THE PRESS SECRETARY

For Immediate Release January 10, 2000

PRESIDENT CLINTON DECLARES MAJOR DISASTER EXISTS IN KENTUCKY

The President today declared a major disaster exists in the Commonwealth of Kentucky and ordered Federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area struck by tornadoes, severe storms, torrential rains and flash flooding on January 3-4, 2000.

The President's action makes Federal funding available to affected individuals and local governments in a three county area. The counties include Crittenden, Daviess and Webster.

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 also is available to eligible local governments on a cost-sharing basis for the repair or replacement of public facilities damaged by the tornadoes, severe storms, torrential rains and flash flooding. Federal funding is also available on a cost share basis for hazard mitigation measures.

James L. Witt, Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), named A. Scott Wells of FEMA to coordinate Federal recovery operations in the affected area.

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

The Agency said that residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated counties can begin applying for assistance tomorrow by calling 1-800-462-9029, or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.

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