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Statement on Federal Disaster Assistance for Territory of the U. S. Virgin
Islands
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For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary October 29, 2008

Statement on Federal Disaster Assistance for Territory of the U. S. Virgin
Islands

ÿÿWhite House News


The President today declared a major disaster exists in the Territory of
the U. S. Virgin Islands and ordered Federal aid to supplement Territory
recovery efforts in the area struck by Hurricane Omar during the period of
October 14-16, 2008.

Federal funding is available to the Territory and certain private nonprofit
organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or
replacement of facilities damaged by Hurricane Omar on the islands of St.
Croix and St. Thomas, including Water Island.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard
mitigation measures for all islands in the Territory of the U. S. Virgin
Islands.

R. David Paulison, Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA), Department of Homeland Security, named Marianne C. Jackson as the
Federal Coordinating Officer for Federal recovery operations in the
affected area.

FEMA said that damage surveys are continuing in other areas, and more
islands and additional forms of assistance may be designated after the
assessments are fully completed.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: FEMA (202) 646-4600.

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