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 recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms, flooding, rockslides, and mudslides associated with Tropical Storm Tomas during the period of November 8-12, 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 the severe storms, flooding, rockslides, and mudslides associated with Tropical Storm Tomas during the period of November 8-12, 2010, on the island of St. Croix.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures Territory-wide.

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 and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

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