    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (1999, Book II)]
    [November 5, 1999]
    [Pages 1997-1998]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Letter to Congressional Leaders on Disaster Assistance and Relocation
    Funding for States Struck by Hurricane Floyd
    November 5, 1999

    Dear Mr. Speaker:  (Dear Mr. Leader:)
        When Hurricane Floyd swept through the Mid-Atlantic region, it left
    in its wake a wide path of destruction and despair. Since that time, my
    Administration has been working closely with all of the affected States
    to ensure that Federal disaster assistance programs are used to the
    maximum extent possible to support residents as they repair and rebuild
    their communities and their lives.
        An important element in this rebuilding process will be mitigating
    against a repetition of such widespread destruction. An unprecedented
    number of the homes destroyed--11,000 in North Carolina alone--were in
    flood plains and therefore remain vulnerable to future floods. To
    address this most pressing need, I am asking the Congress to approve the
    use of $429 million of the contingent disaster relief funds recently
    appropriated to the Federal Emergency Management Agency to buy out many
    of these homes and relocate them to safer, higher ground.
        During my visit to eastern North Carolina after Hurricane Floyd, I
    was profoundly moved by the resolve of the citizens of the region to
    recover from this incredible devastation. To support the long-term
    efforts of people in every affected community to reconstruct their
    homes, businesses, and infrastructure, assistance from the Federal
    Government must be responsive and prompt. Federal disaster relief
    programs already have provided more than $600 million to help
    individuals and communities recover from the effect of Hurricane Floyd.
    Among other things, Federal assistance has provided temporary housing
    and shelter, disaster unemployment benefits, debris removal, funds to
    repair and reconstruct public infrastructure, and loans to rebuild homes
    and businesses. My Administration will continue to work with the States
    and with the Congress to assess remaining needs and provide further
    assistance.
        The recent appropriation of $2.5 billion for FEMA's Disaster Relief
    Fund will allow those working on the ground to continue to respond
    quickly and effectively. I urge the Congress now to provide both the
    funding that I have requested for the Small Business Administration's
    disaster loan program, and the additional $500 million that I have
    requested, and for which my Administration will provide budgetary
    offsets, to provide for the unmet needs of farmers and ranchers.
    Together, these funds will ensure

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    that the Federal Government continues to provide needed disaster
    assistance in a timely manner.
        I know the rebuilding process will not be easy, but as I saw on my
    trip to North Carolina, the true spirit of America remains evident, with
    people from all backgrounds coming together when times are tough. Let us
    do our part and authorize the necessary funding to support the hard work
    being done to rebuild all of the States affected by recent disasters.
            Sincerely,

                                                          William J. Clinton

    Note: Letters were sent to J. Dennis Hastert, Speaker of the House of
    Representatives; Richard A. Gephardt, House minority leader; Trent Lott,
    Senate majority leader; and Thomas A. Daschle, Senate minority leader.
    An original was not available for verification of the content of this
    letter.