Statement by the Press Secretary - President Obama Signs U.S. Virgin Islands Disaster Declaration

The President today declared a major disaster exists in the Territory of the U.S. Virgin Islands and ordered Federal aid to supplement Territory efforts in the area struck by severe storms, flooding, mudslides, and landslides associated with Tropical Storm Otto during the period of October 1-8, 2010.

Federal funding is available to Territory and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by severe storms, flooding, mudslides, and landslides associated with Tropical Storm Otto on the islands of St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas, including Water Island.

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

W. Craig Fugate, Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Department of Homeland Security, named Philip E. Parr as the Federal Coordinating Officer for Federal recovery operations in the affected area.

FEMA said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the Territory of the U.S. Virgin Islands and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: FEMA (202) 646-3272.