    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 40, Number 39 (Monday, September 27, 2004)]
    [Pages 2095-2097]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Remarks on Recovery Efforts in Millvale, Pennsylvania

    September 22, 2004

        Listen, thank you all for coming. I have just flown over Allegheny
    County. I have seen the devastation that took place. The storm and the
    floods were lethal, and they cause a lot of heartache and damage. I know
    there are people in this part of our country who are grieving for lost
    ones, and we send our prayers to all who grieve.
        I know there are people here who are concerned as to whether or not
    they'll ever get their life back together. I hope my visit here with the
    Senators and Congressmen say as clearly as we can that we care about the
    devastation that took place, that we understand the Federal Government
    has an obligation to help, and we will.
        Most of all, I'm here to thank the people of this community who have
    risen up to deal with the hardship. My message not only is to the people
    of the Millvale but is to Etna and Carnegie as well, communities in this
    part of the world that were hard hit. You know, the volunteer
    firefighters here, I was honored to be able to shake hands with some. I
    looked in the guy's eyes and said, ``You got flood eyes''--obviously, he
    had no sleep. He's doing all he could do to help save lives and help
    begin to heal the hurt.

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        The first thing I want to do is thank all the first-responders,
    firefighters and the police and the EMS teams. I want to thank Dave
    Sanko, of the State of Pennsylvania for--he's the FEMA--he's the
    emergency management director who has been on top of the situation ever
    since the flood started to come. I'm absolutely convinced that as a
    result of the coordination between the Federal Government, the State
    government, and local governments, loss of life had been minimized. Dave
    has done a terrific job, and I appreciate your service to your State.
        Mike Brown is with me. He's the head of the FEMA. I'm down here to
    let people know that FEMA is going to move quickly. The best way to make
    sure people understand FEMA is going to move quickly is bring the main
    guy with me and let the mayor, Mayor Burn, talk to him and county
    executive of Allegheny Country. I wanted him to hear firsthand what the
    people in these communities and this county have been through. And I
    want Brown to know that he's going to respond as quickly as he can, and
    that's what I want the people to know.
        I want to thank the local officials who are working hard to help the
    people in this community. You know, what happens when these disasters
    hit: The real character of a community comes out; people show up;
    neighbors love neighbors; firefighters help save lives. You met the
    storm--this storm with compassion and courage. You showed the true
    spirit of the American people by how you've responded and are responding
    to this--these floods.
        I want to thank the National Guard and Coast Guardsmen who worked
    hard all across the State of Pennsylvania to save lives and do their
    duty. I want to thank the power workers, people that--and the telephone
    crews--for getting electricity back up and running for the people of
    this part of the world. I know there are some homes that still don't
    have their electricity hooked up, but I've been assured that the power
    company is working as hard as they can to get electricity up. I know
    there's some people without natural gas. I know they're working hard to
    get the natural gas lines fixed so people can have power in their homes.
        I appreciate the men and women of the Red Cross. The Red Cross has
    been tested during the last months. I've seen Red Cross workers all
    across our country. They're out there providing compassion and care. The
    Red Cross is a great organization, mainly because it's got great
    workers, people who care a lot.
        I want to thank the faith-based communities who have been responding
    to this disaster. You know, the concept of neighbor loving neighbor is a
    powerful concept. It helps lift people's spirits. I met the lady who
    runs the food bank here. She's working overtime to make sure people have
    got something to eat. I want to appreciate all those who are working at
    the food banks. I asked her, I said, ``Do you have enough food to make
    sure the good people of this part of the world got something on the
    table to eat?'' She said, ``Absolutely.'' People are responding to the
    crisis, and out of the harm is coming some good.
        I want to let you know that we're dedicated to responding as quickly
    as we possibly can. I've been told that those who have registered with
    FEMA have started to receive checks. I urge people to find out the
    facts, to get 800 numbers that are available, and to sign up for help.
    We can't help you unless you sign up for the help.
        Again, I want to reassure the people of western Pennsylvania that a
    lot of people are praying for you. You know, I saw the look in the
    people's eyes when I was driving through the town here--small-business
    owners and entrepreneurs whose businesses were destroyed, their stuff
    piled up in front of their business, wondering whether or not there's a
    future. There is a future. I predict to you, Mr. Mayor, that within a
    reasonable period of time this town is going to be back on its feet,
    better than ever, more hopeful than ever.
        We ask God's blessings on everybody who lives here. And may God
    continue to bless our country. Thank you all for coming.

    Note: The President spoke at 4:19 p.m. In his remarks, he referred to
    David M. Sanko, director, Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency;
    Mayor James Burn of Millvale, PA; and Dan Onorato, Allegheny County
    Chief Executive.

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