[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 35 (Wednesday, March 25, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S2581]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        DISASTER ASSISTANCE TO ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA

 Mr. FAIRCLOTH. Mr. President, North Carolina suffered a great 
tragedy last Friday. In less than a moment, without any time for 
warning, two communities in Rockingham County were hit by powerful 
tornadoes that left two dead, nearly 30 injured, and indescribable 
destruction in their wakes.
  The good people of Stoneville and Mayodan have pulled together and 
have already set about the difficult job of picking up the pieces and 
rebuilding their communities. Homes and businesses are being put back 
together. Roads, fields, and streams are being cleared of trees and 
debris.
  Speaking for the state and Rockingham County, Mr. President, we are 
thankful for the federal disaster declaration, which came so quickly, 
and permitted the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and all the 
agencies and volunteer organizations to come to the scene so soon after 
disaster struck. And I have confidence that appropriate federal aid 
will continue.
  Mr. President, I have been assured that funding in this Emergency 
Supplemental Appropriation will be used for recovery in Rockingham 
County. Further, I have a letter from Director James L. Witt indicating 
that FEMA has adequate funding for its emergency response and recovery 
activities for this disaster. This federal help, combined with state 
and local resources, is exactly what is needed. I ask that Director 
Witt's letter be printed in the Record.
  I offer my deepest sympathy to the families and loved-ones of those 
who perished in this disaster. They will be greatly missed. And, I wish 
a speedy recovery to those injured, with the hope that they will soon 
be able to join their communities in the rebuilding efforts.
  The letter follows:
                                                 Federal Emergency


                                            Management Agency,

                                   Washington, DC, March 25, 1998.
     Hon. Lauch Faircloth,
     U.S. Senate, Washington, DC
       Dear Senator Faircloth: This is in response to your 
     question regarding the Federal Emergency Management Agency's 
     (FEMA) Disaster Assistance Program funding. I can assure you 
     that our Agency has adequate funding to carry out eligible 
     emergency response and recovery activities for Rockingham 
     County, NC, after last week's devastating tornadoes.
       As you know, the President declared Rockingham County a 
     Federal Disaster area on Sunday during my visit there. We are 
     already serving citizens under our Individual Assistance 
     program. In addition, we are awaiting the results of the 
     States' Preliminary Damage Assessments to determine the need 
     for Public Assistance. As soon as that information is 
     collected and submitted to FEMA, we will review it and make a 
     determination as appropriate.
       We appreciate your interest in FEMA's Disaster Assistance 
     programs and are standing by to offer North Carolinians 
     assistance. If you have any further questions, please have a 
     member of your staff contact our Office of Congressional and 
     Legislative Affairs at (202) 646-4500.
           Sincerely,
                                                    James L. Witt,
     Director.

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