[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1996, Book I)]
[February 9, 1996]
[Page 200]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



[[Page 200]]


Statement on the Floods in Oregon and Washington
February 9, 1996

    Our hearts and prayers go out to the thousands of people in Oregon 
and Washington who have been inundated by the devastating floods and 
those who are waging a brave fight to keep the water from pouring over 
the river banks.
    In an effort to provide quick action in their urgent time of need, 
today I have signed Federal disaster declarations for Oregon and 
Washington. These declarations will give help to individuals, including 
temporary housing, family grants, and low-interest loans. We are also 
providing funds to help rebuild the State and local infrastructure.
    I have asked FEMA Director James Lee Witt to go to both Oregon and 
Washington, survey the damage, and lead the Federal response and 
recovery efforts.
    The people of Oregon and Washington have demonstrated a remarkable 
amount of courage and resilience in this difficult time. I know they 
cannot recover alone. We are with them for as long as it takes.
    Finally, let me take a moment to express my deepest sympathies to 
the families and friends of those who have lost their lives during this 
natural disaster. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.