    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 29, Number 11 (Monday, March 22, 1993)]
    [Page 430]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Statement on Disaster Assistance for Florida

     March 13, 1993

        On March 12 and 13, excessive rainfall, tornadoes, flooding, high
    tides, and gale force winds caused death, serious personal injury, and
    property damage in the State of Florida.
        In a telephone call to me today, Gov. Lawton Chiles requested
    individual assistance and public assistance from the Federal Emergency
    Management Agency (FEMA) for Alachua, Citrus, Columbia, Dade, Duval,
    Hamilton, Hendry, Hernando, Hillsborough, Lake, Levy, Manatee, Marion,
    Martin, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Taylor, and Volusia
    Counties.
        The situation is of such severity and magnitude that effective
    response is beyond the capabilities of the State of Florida and local
    governments. Therefore, I concur that supplemental Federal assistance is
    necessary, and FEMA is directed to provide such assistance.
        Individual assistance can include temporary housing, grants, low-
    cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to
    help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the
    disaster. Public assistance is available to eligible local governments
    on a cost-sharing basis for the repair or replacement of public
    facilities damaged by the flooding.
        Additional areas may be designated at a later date, if requested and
    warranted.