FEDERAL DISASTER AID APPROVED FOR MICRONESIA

[Emergency Information Media Affairs]

WASHINGTON (March 11, 1997) -- Federal disaster funds were approved today
for the Federated States of Micronesia under a major disaster declaration
issued by President Clinton because of damage from Typhoon Fern last
December, according to the head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA).

Immediately after the President's action, FEMA Director James Lee Witt
designated the state of Yap, including the islands in the Ulithi Atoll,
eligible for federal disaster aid to supplement the recovery needs of the
state and affected local governments.

Under the declaration, federal funds will be available to pay 75 percent
of the approved cost for debris removal, emergency services related to the
disaster, and repairing or replacing damaged public facilities, such as
roads, bridges and utilities.

Sally M. Ziolkowski, of FEMA's regional office in San Francisco, was named
by Witt to coordinate the federal recovery effort. Ziolkowski said that
procedures for requesting assistance will be explained at a series of
applicant briefings at locations to be announced shortly in the affected
area.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Office of Emergency Information & Media Affairs --- Washington, D.C.

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