    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1998, Book I)]
    [March 20, 1998]
    [Page 413]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Tornado Disaster in Georgia
    March 20, 1998

        Today I spoke with Governor Zell Miller to
    express my concern over the tornado that hit Georgia early this morning.
    Hillary and I are deeply saddened to learn of the individuals who lost
    their lives in this tragic disaster.
        I have asked the Federal Emergency Management Agency to add the
    counties of Hall, White, Habersham, Dawson, and Rabun as disaster areas
    to the existing disaster declaration I issued for Georgia on March 11th.
    This action will allow victims of this tragedy to apply for Federal
    funds. I have also asked FEMA Director James Lee Witt to lead a Federal team to Georgia to inspect the damage
    and report back to me.
        Labor Secretary Alexis Herman has
    approved a grant of up to $3 million to assist workers who lost jobs.
    The money will help to create temporary jobs to assist in clean-up,
    repair, and restoration efforts. In addition, FEMA has begun working on
    a long-term recovery plan for Georgia.
        I want to assure the people of Georgia that this administration is
    committed to ensuring a speedy recovery from this tornado. Our thoughts
    and prayers are with those affected by this extraordinary natural
    disaster.