[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1992-1993, Book II)]
[September 1, 1992]
[Page 1458]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



White House Statement on Additional Disaster Relief for Florida Schools
September 1, 1992

    The President today called Octavio Visiedo, superintendent of 
schools for Dade County, FL, to inform him that $40 million will be 
immediately available to hard-hit Florida schools. The funds will be 
used to provide transportation to schools and new portable classrooms 
and to cover extraordinary operating costs.
    Hurricane Andrew destroyed or severely damaged 15 percent of the 297 
Dade County schools, creating transportation needs for 40,000 more 
children than expected. It is anticipated that with the additional 
assistance all children in Dade County will be able to return to school 
on September 14.
    Other aid to be provided by the Department of Education will help 
students affected by the disaster. This aid includes: additional Federal 
grant and loan money to college, university, and trade school students; 
new funds for supplemental grants and campus-based loans to all 
institutions that enroll students affected by the disaster; and 
sensitivity in accommodating students' financial needs in general.