[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 34, Number 13 (Monday, March 30, 1998)]
[Page 479]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement on the Tornado Disaster in Georgia

March 20, 1998

    Today I spoke with Governor Zell Miller to express my concern over 
the tornado that hit Georgia early this morning. Hillary and I are 
deeply saddened to learn of the individuals who lost their lives in this 
tragic disaster.
    I have asked the Federal Emergency Management Agency to add the 
counties of Hall, White, Habersham, Dawson, and Rabun as disaster areas 
to the existing disaster declaration I issued for Georgia on March 11th. 
This action will allow victims of this tragedy to apply for Federal 
funds. I have also asked FEMA Director James Lee Witt to lead a Federal 
team to Georgia to inspect the damage and report back to me.
    Labor Secretary Alexis Herman has approved a grant of up to $3 
million to assist workers who lost jobs. The money will help to create 
temporary jobs to assist in clean-up, repair, and restoration efforts. 
In addition, FEMA has begun working on a long-term recovery plan for 
Georgia.
    I want to assure the people of Georgia that this administration is 
committed to ensuring a speedy recovery from this tornado. Our thoughts 
and prayers are with those affected by this extraordinary natural 
disaster.

Note: This item was not received in time for publication in the 
appropriate issue.