[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 35, Number 32 (Monday, August 16, 1999)]
[Page 1616]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement on the Tornado Damage in Salt Lake City, Utah

August 11, 1999

    I want to express my concern for the people of Salt Lake City, who 
are suffering the effects of a devastating tornado that tore through 
their city this afternoon. I was particularly saddened to learn that the 
tornado left at least one person dead and dozens injured. Officials from 
the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are already on the 
ground; more officials are en route; and FEMA Director James Lee Witt 
has talked by phone with Governor Leavitt. The burden of recovery will 
be heavy, but it is a burden that the people of Salt Lake City need not 
carry alone. As they begin the difficult process of mourning, healing, 
and rebuilding, our Nation stands steadfastly behind them.