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Charlotte Amalie
Thursday, March 28, 2024
HomeNewsArchivesCLINTON DECLARES V.I. DISASTER AREA

CLINTON DECLARES V.I. DISASTER AREA

President Clinton declared Tuesday a major disaster exists in the U.S. Virgin Islands and ordered federal aid to supplement territory and local recovery efforts in the wake of Hurricane Lenny.
The president's action makes federal funding available to affected individuals and local governments on St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John.
Assistance can include disaster housing, grants, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the hurricane, according to a release from the White House.
Federal funding also is available to eligible local governments on a cost-sharing basis for the repair or replacement of public facilities. The cost sharing is traditionally a 25–75 split, with the federal government picking up 75 percent. Some local leaders have called for the federal government to pay 100% on grounds the territory's governmen can't afford to pay its end.
Federal funding is also available on the same cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures to prevent damage in future hurricanes.
According to the release, residents and business owners who sustained losses in the USVI can begin applying for assistance Wednesday by calling 1-800-462-9029, or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired.
The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.

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