[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.