[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 35, Number 44 (Monday, November 8, 1999)]
[Pages 2263-2264]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Letter to Congressional Leaders on Disaster Assistance and Relocation 
Funding for States Struck by Hurricane Floyd

November 5, 1999

Dear Mr. Speaker:  (Dear Mr. Leader:)

    When Hurricane Floyd swept through the Mid-Atlantic region, it left 
in its wake a wide path of destruction and despair. Since that time, my 
Administration has been working closely with all of the affected States 
to ensure that Federal disaster assistance programs are used to the 
maximum extent possible to support residents as they repair and rebuild 
their communities and their lives.

[[Page 2264]]

    An important element in this rebuilding process will be mitigating 
against a repetition of such widespread destruction. An unprecedented 
number of the homes destroyed--11,000 in North Carolina alone--were in 
flood plains and therefore remain vulnerable to future floods. To 
address this most pressing need, I am asking the Congress to approve the 
use of $429 million of the contingent disaster relief funds recently 
appropriated to the Federal Emergency Management Agency to buy out many 
of these homes and relocate them to safer, higher ground.
    During my visit to eastern North Carolina after Hurricane Floyd, I 
was profoundly moved by the resolve of the citizens of the region to 
recover from this incredible devastation. To support the long-term 
efforts of people in every affected community to reconstruct their 
homes, businesses, and infrastructure, assistance from the Federal 
Government must be responsive and prompt. Federal disaster relief 
programs already have provided more than $600 million to help 
individuals and communities recover from the effect of Hurricane Floyd. 
Among other things, Federal assistance has provided temporary housing 
and shelter, disaster unemployment benefits, debris removal, funds to 
repair and reconstruct public infrastructure, and loans to rebuild homes 
and businesses. My Administration will continue to work with the States 
and with the Congress to assess remaining needs and provide further 
assistance.
    The recent appropriation of $2.5 billion for FEMA's Disaster Relief 
Fund will allow those working on the ground to continue to respond 
quickly and effectively. I urge the Congress now to provide both the 
funding that I have requested for the Small Business Administration's 
disaster loan program, and the additional $500 million that I have 
requested, and for which my Administration will provide budgetary 
offsets, to provide for the unmet needs of farmers and ranchers. 
Together, these funds will ensure that the Federal Government continues 
to provide needed disaster assistance in a timely manner.
    I know the rebuilding process will not be easy, but as I saw on my 
trip to North Carolina, the true spirit of America remains evident, with 
people from all backgrounds coming together when times are tough. Let us 
do our part and authorize the necessary funding to support the hard work 
being done to rebuild all of the States affected by recent disasters.
    Sincerely,
                                            William J. Clinton

Note: Letters were sent to J. Dennis Hastert, Speaker of the House of 
Representatives; Richard A. Gephardt, House minority leader; Trent Lott, 
Senate majority leader; and Thomas A. Daschle, Senate minority leader. 
An original was not available for verification of the content of this 
letter.