    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (2000, Book I)]
    [February 25, 2000]
    [Page 321]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Assistance to Communities Struck by Hurricane Floyd
    February 25, 2000

        When Hurricane Floyd hit communities on the eastern seaboard nearly
    6 months ago, it left many thousands homeless, destroyed countless
    businesses, and caused severe loss of crops. While this storm took a
    terrible toll, hard-hit communities have shown determination and courage
    as they have made great efforts to rebuild. It is our job to help them,
    and today I am asking Congress to provide an additional $347 million to
    do so.
        These funds include essential assistance to farmers who have
    suffered crop loss, to help to construct low income rural housing, and
    to provide some 2,000 housing vouchers for families displaced from their
    homes. I am also asking Congress to fund a feasibility study for the
    historic Princeville, North Carolina, to best determine options to
    protect this culturally significant town from future flooding.
        We have already made $2.6 billion available in grants and loans to
    help the victims of Hurricane Floyd. I urge Congress to approve my
    request today for additional funding in order to support the efforts of
    hard-pressed communities as they continue to rebuild and to bring to
    nearly $3 billion total funds available to them.

    Note: A portion of the President's statement was also made available on
    the White House Press Office Actuality Line.