    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1993, Book I)]
    [June 29, 1993]
    [Pages 959-960]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Flooding in the Midwest
    June 29, 1993

        I am very concerned about the flooding in the heartland of our
    country, and I've asked Agriculture Secretary Mike Espy to survey the
    region and see firsthand what the excessive rains have done to
    agriculture production there. I also have directed the Federal Emergency
    Management Agency to keep me fully informed of their activities on
    behalf of the affected States.
        The Mississippi River is closed to navigation over a 500-mile
    stretch from the Twin Cities in Minnesota to St. Louis. Clearly, this is
    one of the most significant natural disasters midwestern residents,
    business owners, and agricultural producers have faced in a very long
    time. This region of the country is dependent upon agricultural
    production, and when agriculture faces a disaster like this one,
    everyone is adversely affected.
        Tomorrow Secretary Espy will travel to Iowa, Wisconsin (weather
    permitting), Minnesota, and South Dakota to view the rain-related damage
    and talk face to face with farmers and area residents about the damage.
        FEMA Director James Lee Witt reports that his Agency already has
    placed survey teams in the field where they are working with the State
    emergency operating centers. These teams are laying the groundwork
    necessary for Federal disaster assistance. We intend to speed the
    recovery of the affected communities and ensure disaster victims receive
    the help they need as rapidly as possible.
        Upon his return, Secretary Espy will brief me on the condition of
    the area and make recommendations that will help our fellow citizens
    living in the region.
        As you know, nine counties in southwestern Minnesota were declared
    disaster areas in late

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    May. Last week, I granted Governor Arne Carlson's request to extend the
    incident period to allow for coverage for the torrential rains after May
    19th through June.
        Wisconsin has been hard hit. The break in the dam at Blackriver
    Falls has destroyed or damaged over 100 homes. Many of the town's
    residents have no flood insurance. Governor Tommy Thompson has already
    asked the National Guard to assist the evacuation of flood victims.
        Iowa's Governor Branstad also is using the National Guard to assist
    flood victims in the eastern part of his State. He has told us that many
    homes and businesses have been flooded out, and thousands more are at
    risk if the levee breaks.
        The Mississippi River continues to rise in Missouri, threatening
    towns still dealing with the ravages of the May floods. FEMA teams are
    in eastern Missouri, continuing to monitor the flooding of the
    Mississippi. Some areas have been evacuated, and preliminary damage
    assessment teams are in place for a formal assessment request, pending a
    call from Governor Mel Carnahan.
        I commend the bravery and endurance of the many midwesterners facing
    torrents of rain and rivers that have not yet crested. We will work
    together to rebuild your communities as we work together to rebuild
    America.