[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 31, Number 2 (Monday, January 16, 1995)]
[Pages 41-42]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement on Disaster Assistance for Floods in California

January 10, 1995

    Tonight I have declared that a major disaster exists in California 
caused by the damaging floods in northern and southern California. I 
have directed Federal Emergency Management Agency Director James Lee 
Witt to oversee the Federal response in the recovery.
    FEMA officials are already working closely with State and local 
officials to ensure a quick

[[Page 42]]

response to this flood. Director Witt is in California making sure 
disaster funds begin to flow quickly to help the people affected by the 
flood damage. These funds will help to begin the process of recovery.
    Californians have a resilient spirit and great sense of community. 
You have shown over the past year during the earthquake, the fires, and 
now the current floods that you are a people that come together in times 
of crisis. The American people support you as you would them in a 
similar time of need. Our hearts are with the thousands of victims 
affected by the floods and the family members of those who have died.

Note: This statement was included in a White House statement announcing 
disaster assistance for California.