President Clinton on Tuesday declared a major disaster exists in the U.S. Virgin Islands and ordered Federal aid to supplement territory and local recovery efforts.
The president's action makes federal funding available to affected individuals and local governments in the U.S. Virgin Islands of St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas.
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 disaster, 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
damaged by Hurricane Lenny, and for hazard-mitigation measures. The cost-sharing is traditionally a 25–75 split, with the federal government picking up 75 percent.
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.
