[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 36, Number 9 (Monday, March 6, 2000)]
[Page 393]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement on Assistance to Communities Struck by Hurricane Floyd

February 25, 2000

    When Hurricane Floyd hit communities on the eastern seaboard nearly 
6 months ago, it left many thousands homeless, destroyed countless 
businesses, and caused severe loss of crops. While this storm took a 
terrible toll, hard-hit communities have shown determination and courage 
as they have made great efforts to rebuild. It is our job to help them, 
and today I am asking Congress to provide an additional $347 million to 
do so.
    These funds include essential assistance to farmers who have 
suffered crop loss, to help to construct low income rural housing, and 
to provide some 2,000 housing vouchers for families displaced from their 
homes. I am also asking Congress to fund a feasibility study for the 
historic Princeville, North Carolina, to best determine options to 
protect this culturally significant town from future flooding.
    We have already made $2.6 billion available in grants and loans to 
help the victims of Hurricane Floyd. I urge Congress to approve my 
request today for additional funding in order to support the efforts of 
hard-pressed communities as they continue to rebuild and to bring to 
nearly $3 billion total funds available to them.

Note: A portion of the President's statement was also made available on 
the White House Press Office Actuality Line. This item was not received 
in time for publication in the appropriate issue.