Statement by the Press Secretary on Federal Assistance in the Territory of the U.S. Virgin Islands

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 Tropical Storm Jeanne on September 14-17, 2004.

Federal funding is available to the Territory and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by Tropical Storm Jeanne on the islands of St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-share basis for hazard mitigation measures for the islands of St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas.

Representing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary for Emergency Preparedness and Response, Department of Homeland Security, named Peter J. Martinasco as the Federal Coordinating Officer for Federal recovery operations in the affected area.

The Agency said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the Territory and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

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