    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (1999, Book II)]
    [September 21, 1999]
    [Pages 1562-1563]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks on Hurricane Floyd, in New York City
    September 21, 1999

        Good morning, everyone. I'm a little hoarse. Forgive me. I want to
    begin my visit by expressing our concern and support for the families
    and the communities in this area recovering from Hurricane Floyd.
        As you know, I traveled to North Carolina yesterday and saw some of
    the worst storm damage and flooding that I have, personally, ever seen.
    I know people in New Jersey and New York have also been injured. I want
    to thank the city, county, and State officials for all the work they
    have done to get help to people quickly where it's needed.
        We are doing all we can at the Federal level, and I'd like to
    mention just three things. First, last Saturday I issued a major
    disaster declaration for New Jersey. Sunday I issued a similar one for
    Orange, Rockland, Putnam, and Westchester Counties in New York. These
    actions help to speed Federal assistance for individuals and communities
    recovering from flood damage.
        Second, FEMA officials are on the ground now responding to the
    challenges with clean water, housing, and restoring communication and
    power links. Housing inspectors, small business teams, community
    relations specialists are on the scene to help meet people's needs.
    Starting today AmeriCorps volunteers will be helping people clean up the
    damages to their homes and pick up the pieces of their lives.

    [[Page 1563]]

        Third, I'm sending our FEMA Director, James Lee Witt, to New Jersey and New York today to inspect the damage
    and report back immediately on what more we need to do. I want to make
    sure that the assistance is delivered responsibly, efficiently, and in
    adequate amounts.
        Again I want to say, as I did yesterday, that in difficult times
    like this, we're reminded that the power of the American spirit is even
    stronger than the power of a hurricane. The American people are
    supporting all those who have been injured in this, and we will stand by
    them until they recover.
        Thank you very much. Thank you.

    Note: The President spoke at 9:20 a.m. at the Wall Street Landing Zone
    upon arriving in New York City.