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Hurricane [Andrew] Follow-Up 9/1/92 [OA 5811]
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Hurricane [Andrew] Follow-Up 9/1/92 [OA 5811]
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Record Group/Collection:
George H.W. Bush Presidential Records
Collection/Office of Origin:
Speechwriting, White House Office of
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Speech File Draft Files
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OA/ID Number:
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13638-001
Folder Title:
Hurricane [Andrew] Follow-up 9/1/92 [OA 5811]
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26
18
4
4
George Bush, 1992
Administration of George Bush, 1992 / Sept. 1
1545
ent on
also served as the executive director of the
This relief effort has generated incredible
elief for
American Corporate Counsel Association,
cooperation. My thanks go to so many people
1982-90; General Counsel for the Council
who slept so little the past 8 days, to State
on Environmental Quality, 1981-82; and as-
and local government officials, Federal Agen-
sociate minority counsel for the Energy and
cies, private charities, and the heroic men
Commerce Committee in the U.S. House of
and women of the United States military.
y called Octavio
Representatives, 1975-81.
Most especially, my appreciation goes out to
of schools for Dade
Ms. Nord graduated from the University
the volunteers. When we arrived in Florida,
im that $40 million
of Nebraska (B.A., 1968) and George Wash-
some of the first people we met were from
ailable to hard-hit
ington University (J.D., 1971). She was born
South Carolina, victims of Hurricane Hugo
ds will be used to
schools and new
September 14, 1946, in Sioux Falls, SD. Ms.
who had spent the night driving so they could
Nord is married, has one child, and resides
help others through their ordeal. We met
to cover extraor-
in Washington, DC.
doctors and firefighters spending sleepless
vacations lending a helping hand. Through
stroyed or severely
the eloquence of their action, I've been re-
e 297 Dade County
minded that America will always be a Nation
ortation needs for
Address to the Nation on Hurricane
of neighbors.
n expected. It is an-
Andrew Disaster Relief
Although the relief effort is well underway,
dditional assistance
urgent needs still exist. And so tonight I make
inty will be able to
September 1, 1992
a special appeal to the generous spirit of the
nber 14.
Good evening, everyone.
American people. People in Florida and Lou-
Eight days ago the people of south Florida
isiana want to stay in their homes. They're
ded by the Depart-
and Louisiana were confronted by perhaps
in desperate need of rolls of plastic to cover
help students af-
the most destructive natural disaster in our
open roofs, lumber to board up walls, and
his aid includes: ad-
1 loan money to col-
history. Tonight I want to report to the Na-
cots to sleep on. They also need diapers, baby
le school students;
tion on the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew
formula, and other infant supplies. And fresh
volunteers are needed to staff medical facili-
tal grants and cam-
and the effort required to help Andrew's sur-
vivors back on their feet.
ties or help with the cleanup.
titutions that enroll
Right now, America's churches and char-
disaster; and sen-
In the past week I've twice visited Louisi-
ities are mobilizing to meet these needs. And
students' financial
ana and Florida. And in Florida, where the
I encourage all Americans to pitch in, in any
storm was strongest, up to a quarter million
way you can. If you don't know where to turn
people have lost their homes, many huddled
and you want to help right now, please call
beneath the busted timbers of what was once
the American Red Cross at 1-800-842-2200.
a living room or a kitchen. There's no run-
1-800-842-2200.
A. Nord To Be
ning water, no electricity. Little children are
Once our relief effort is complete, we will
ne Consumer
left without even a toy to play with.
accelerate the process of recovery. Already
mission
In the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew, a
today we announced plans to rebuild Home-
relief effort has risen, unprecedented in size
stead Air Force Base, the linchpin of the
and impact. And tonight as we speak, almost
economy in devastated areas. And a distin-
20,000 troops are on the ground assisting in
guished Florida business leader, Alvah Chap-
inounced his inten-
everything from providing meals to erecting
man, has agreed to head a national private
Nord, of the Dis-
tent cities. Basic human needs, food, water,
sector effort to help rebuild south Florida.
a Commissioner of
shelter, and medical assistance, are being
It's called "We Will Rebuild." This effort has
Safety Commission
provided.
my strong support and the support of Florida
1 October 27, 1992.
In Florida, a curfew is in place, and the
Governor Chiles. All of us are in this for the
National Guard and local police patrol the
long haul. If you want to be a part of this
ves as a senior con-
streets. It's a tribute to these officers and to
effort, please write We Will Rebuild. And
Jellinek, Schwartz
the people of this region that looting has
the address is Post Office Box 010790,
nmental consulting
been kept to a minimum. Social Security
Miami, Florida, and the ZIP Code is 33131.
She has also served
checks are being delivered on time. Financial
In the past 8 days we've seen on our TV
he Republican Na-
help is being made available to families who
screens real tears, real sorrow, real hurt.
n, 1991-92. She has
have lost their homes and their jobs.
Livelihoods have been destroyed. Lives, even
1546
Sept. 1 / Administration of George Bush, 1992
young lives, have been tragically lost. But al-
at one time by satellite. I really just want
ready in Florida and Louisiana, we're talking
to say that I hope you will all stick with it
not just of relief but of recovery. This is a
join the town meeting every month, and be
tribute to what is inside us. And yes, Andrew
come an America 2000 community, if you're
blew a whirlwind of devastation. But he could
not in there already.
never extinguish the American spirit, a spirit
There are no quick fixes. The change we're
of compassion and sacrifice and endurance.
talking about is really fundamental. It is really
We have seen that spirit in action the past
enormous, literally reinventing education.
8 days. And with this spirit and your enduring
And that'll require what we call the break-
commitment, our neighbors in south Florida
the-mold schools: higher standards and cer-
and Louisiana will recover.
tainly better tests, getting government off the
Thank you for your generosity. And our
teachers' backs, and then giving families
prayers are with all who stood in Andrew's
more choice in schools and academic pro-
path. Good night.
grams. There's nothing more important than
creating the best schools in the world for our
Note: The President spoke at 9 p.m. from
children, and this is the way to do it.
the Oval Office at the White House. The ad-
So my compliments to all assembled for
dress was broadcast live on nationwide tele-
what you're doing. My compliments also to
vision.
the U.S. Chamber and all the local chambers
of commerce out there who are involved in
these community efforts, and then, of course,
to the wonderful Wal-Mart associates who
Teleconference With the America
are participating. I do know firsthand how
2000 Satellite Town Meeting
important education was to Sam Walton. And
September 1, 1992
he would be glad. He would be thrilled that
you were participating tonight. So, congratul
The President. Lamar, I'm here.
lations.
Secretary Alexander. Well, terrific.
Now for my question, and I want to place
The President. Delighted to be here. And
it to Len Sirotzki of Bensenville, Illinois. And
I'm delighted you're willing to take this
I suspect that almost all of the participating
phone call from this very interested partici-
communities have this question in mind be-
pant from the White House.
cause I've challenged each one of them to
Secretary Alexander. We're honored
create a break-the-mold school. And now
that you'd take the time to call. We know
Len, if you're there, you've turned your en-
you've had a very busy day.
tire community into a break-the-mold site.
The President. Well, let me just make a
And my question is, how did you get started
couple of comments butting into this won-
and how is it working out?
derful program. But first a compliment, and
Mr. Sirotzki. Mr. President, thank you for
then I do want to ask one question. But my
asking that question. It certainly is wonderful
compliments to the more than 2,500 commu-
of you to join us this evening. The way we
nities out there who are working together on
started, very simply put, was that we started.
these national education goals.
I think that the number one message to com-
When the Governors and I established the
munities everywhere is to start, and don't
goals at Charlottesville at that education
wait for some perfect time that may never
summit, we hoped to set a new direction for
come. But we looked for individual persons
education in our country. But we also knew
who were willing to go beyond personal
that the goals would not make much dif-
agenda for the benefit of the community, all
ference unless they were adopted community
of the families in the community, and I mean
by community. And so I guess the way to
all of them, not only school-aged children
say it is we had high hopes at Charlottesville.
And I think all of us want better commu-
But I don't think any one of us envisioned
nities, but they will not come about magi-
anything quite like this, over 2,500 different
cally. It's going to take a very, very long-term
communities working together on the goals
commitment, and there will be a great deal
Document No. 347780
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE:
08/31/92
ASAP TONIGHT
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: HURRICANE FOLLOW-UP, FLORIDA, 09/01/92
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
X MOORE
BAKER
MULLINS
SCOWCROFT
PETERSMEYER
DARMAN
PORTER
BRADY
<PROVOST
BROMLEY
ROSS
CALIO
SMITH
DEMAREST
TUTWILER
FITZWATER
X ZOELLICK
GRAY
KAUFMAN
HOLIDAY
MCGROARTY
HORNER
PORTER ROSE
MCBRIDE
GAUGHAN
REMARKS:
Please provide any comments directly to Dan McGroarty, Rm. 122,
x2930, AS SOON AS POSSIBLE THIS EVENING, with a copy to this
office. Thanks.
RESPONSE:
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
(Smith/Aarhus)
Draft Two
August 31, 1992
2 AUG 31 P7: 26
RETURN
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: HURRICANE FOLLOW-UP
FLORIDA
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 1, 1992
Last week, I came to Florida and saw rooftops shredded --
and houses flattened / met Americans without food, water or
shelter -- but never without hope. / The Good Book tells us:
"If one member suffers, all suffer together." Last week we saw
how when one American is hurting -- all Americans bleed. //
So far Hurricane Andrew has done billions of dollars worth
of damage. dead -- here in Florida. / We are here to help
and rebuild -- and we will work tirelessly to make that happen. /
I don't underestimate the task. It will take months to
restore a semblance of community in the devastated areas -- and
years to rebuild. / But we have begun -- and we will finish the
job. //
Let me review what I've have done to coordinate our efforts.
Last week, I named Transportation Secretary Andy Card to lead a
task force of Federal officials to the disaster areas / meet with
state and local officials / and work with FEMA to provide
additional emergency aid. /
On the basis of Secretary Card's reports last Thursday, I
directed Federal troops immediately to help FEMA in making sure
this aid reached every person who needed it. I have since kept
in constant contact with Secretary Card and Governor Chiles. 11
2
So far Federal troops -- that amounts to a full brigade -
- are in or on their way to Florida. Another 1,000 Marines are
going to Opa-Locka to help. They are there to supply
comprehensive assistance for the affected areas -- including
tents, food, water, electrical generators, portable facilities,
and mobile field kitchens. //
Supporting them is the Department of Defense with whatever
transportation is necessary, including aircraft and helicopters,
to fulfill this mission. Last weekend two tent cities with
sanitation facilities to house 5,000 people arrived from
Guantanamo. In addition, we have flown in more than 500 tents,
cots, and 75,000 blankets / let contracts for more than 6
-
million gallons of water / and are shipping nearly 422,000 pounds
of donated food to Florida's hardest-hit areas.
As of now, nearly one million meals have arrived and are
being distributed. We have also brought in seven special medical
teams and a full medical brigade to deal with health problems --
from tetanus shots to delivering babies. Last week South Florida
was on its back. Whether it's food, water, Federal money, or
troops -- we will do whatever it takes to get South Florida back
on its feet.
That is why I am here again / why I am in constant touch
with Secretary Card and Governor Chiles / and why we are using
every civilian agency -- 27 in all -- to make disaster aid
available in an unprecedented way. That includes temporary
housing assistance. Grants for individuals and families for
3
emergency needs like food, clothing, or hospital expenses. And
we have urged businesses to apply for loans to the Small Business
Administration. /
This support will continue and be improved. So will the
efforts of our military: I know they will use their energies to
help defeat the enemies of hunger and homelessness in Florida. /
Short-term, we must pick up the pieces. Long-term, the Federal
government must, and will, help the plant the seeds of economic
rebirth. //
When that occurs -- and it will -- we will never forget the
heroes of Hurricane Andrew. The devastated, of course, most of
all. Volunteers like the Red Cross and their many support groups
across the country. Business and labor -- pulling together to
repair what nature has torn apart. Individuals like Edward Gary
-- who, after seeing his mobile home in shambles, searched
through the rubble to find the American flag. The flag soon flew
from the only wall left of his home. Said Edward: "I put it up
to let people know we got to go on. "
So will South Florida. I know it's not easy to confront a
/
terror not felt in this country since the 1906 earthquake. But I
also know Americans. I know how we're at our best when disaster
is at its worst. //
Together, we will rebuild these communities -- and show that
natural disasters are no match for American neighbor-helping-
neighbor. Thank you -- and God bless the United States of
America.
(Smith/Aarhus)
Draft Three
August 31, 1992
RETURN
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: HURRICANE FOLLOW-UP
FLORIDA
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 1, 1992
Last week, I came to Florida and saw rooftops shredded --
and houses flattened / met Americans without food, water or
shelter -- but never without hope. / The Good Book tells us:
"If one member suffers, all suffer together." Last week we saw
how when one American is hurting -- all Americans bleed. //
So far Hurricane Andrew has done billions of dollars worth
of damage. - dead -- here in Florida. / We are here to help
and rebuild -- and we will work tirelessly to make that happen. /
I don't underestimate the task. It will take months to
restore a semblance of community in the devastated areas -- and
years to rebuild. / But we have begun -- and we will finish the
job. //
Let me review what I've have done to coordinate our efforts.
Last week, I named Transportation Secretary Andy Card to lead a
task force of Federal officials to the disaster areas / meet with
state and local officials / and work with FEMA to provide
additional emergency aid. /
On the basis of Secretary Card's reports last Thursday, I
directed Federal troops immediately to help FEMA in making sure
this aid reached every person who needed it. I have since kept
in constant contact with Secretary Card and Governor Chiles. //
2
So far Federal troops -- that amounts to a full brigade -
- are in or on their way to Florida. Another 1,000 Marines are
going to Opa-Locka to help. They are there to supply
comprehensive assistance for the affected areas -- including
tents, food, water, electrical generators, portable facilities,
and mobile field kitchens. //
Supporting them is the Department of Defense with whatever
transportation is necessary, including aircraft and helicopters,
to fulfill this mission. Last weekend two tent cities with
sanitation facilities to house 5,000 people arrived from
Gùantanamo. In addition, we have flown in more than 500 tents,
cots, and 75,000 blankets / let contracts for more than 6
-
million gallons of water / and are shipping nearly 422,000 pounds
of donated food to Florida's hardest-hit areas.
As of now, nearly one million meals have arrived and are
being distributed. We have also brought in seven special medical
teams and a full medical brigade to deal with health problems --
from tetanus shots to delivering babies. Last week South Florida
was on its back. Whether it's food, water, Federal money, or
troops -- we will do whatever it takes to get South Florida back
on its feet. //
That is why I am here again / why I am in constant touch
with Secretary Card and Governor Chiles / and why we are using
every civilian agency -- 27 in all -- to make disaster aid
available in an unprecedented way. That includes temporary
housing assistance. Grants for individuals and families for
3
emergency needs like food, clothing, or hospital expenses. And
we have urged businesses to apply for loans to the Small Business
Administration. /
This support will continue and be improved. So will the
efforts of our military: I know they will use their energies to
help defeat the enemies of hunger and homelessness in Florida. /
Short-term, we must pick up the pieces. Long-term, the Federal
government must help the plant the seeds of economic rebirth. //
When that occurs -- and it will -- we will never forget the
heroes of Hurricane Andrew. Volunteers like the Red Cross and
their many support groups across the country. / Business and
labor -- pulling together to repair what nature has torn apart.
/ The devastated, most of all. Individuals like the Reverend
Clarence Clem, pastor of a church near Cutler Ridge. /
Today, his church is gone -- as are the homes of all 85
members. Yet the Reverend Clem still holds prayer meetings and
Bible readings. Still keeps the members together. Still asks
them to go out and be a light unto the world. //
For the past week South Florida's courage has amazed the
world. I know it's not easy to confront a terror rarely felt in
this country since the 1906 earthquake. But I also know
Americans. We're at our best when disaster is at its worst. //
Together, we will rebuild these communities -- and show that
natural disasters are no match for American neighbor-helping-
neighbor. Thank you -- and God bless the United States of
America.
THE WHITE HOUSE
office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
August 28, 1992
PRESS CONFERENCE BY THE PRESIDENT
The Rose Garden
12:10 P.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: I have with me several of the key
leaders at the Pentagon who are working on this humanitarian problem.
And our military resources are responding promptly and massively to
the hurricane disaster.
At least 7,000 federal troops are on station or en route
to deliver services to Floridians who are the victims of this
horrible disaster. That amounts to a full brigade. Another 1,000
Marines are going to Opa Locka to help, if necessary.
Two tent cities with sanitation facilities which can
house 5,000 people will arrive in Florida this afternoon from
Guantanamo. General Reimer, with me today, and Secretary Atwood tell
me. that the Department of Defense has already delivered nearly
200,000 meals. And in addition, another 200,000 would be delivered
today and tomorrow. Also, 20 mobile kitchen trailers, which are each
capable of feeding 300 personnel every two hours, will serve food
around the clock. The Department of the Navy is providing shelter
for up to 5,000 personnel.
In addition, the Army is sending up to 1,250 tents,
25,000 cots and 50,000 blankets. The military is sending a full
medical brigade and seven special medical teams to deal with the
health problems. Ten thousand gallons of bottled water arrive today.
Contracts have been let for six million more gallons of water.
Generators are being supplied for electricity support and relief
centers. And in addition, the Army Corps of Engineers is on the
ground to help with the removal of debris that will allow people to
move around.
The United States Department of Agriculture has just
distributed over 100,000 food packages. In addition, 7,000 cases of
food from the Red Cross and other agencies have been sent to Florida
shelters.
And, finally, with the respect to the maintenance of
public order and security, functions now the responsibility of state
and local officials in Florida, I have made very clear to Governor
Chiles both yesterday and today that I am willing to send more
federal troops and federalize the National Guard in Florida if he
wancs us 20. We will commit all federal military resources necessary
to help the people in Florida.
I've just talked to Governor Chiles, and I think we are
in agreement on all of this. And as far as Louisiana goes, problems
for some families are terrible. The size, the scope of the disaster
is not near as great. But the military is helping there as well.
There are MRES on the ground. The generator sets are there, and I've
been trying to contact Governor Edwards, with whom I visited the area
the other day, to be sure that we are giving him the proper support
for the people of Louisiana.
MORE
- 2 -
So things are moving, and the big thing is to get this
job done for the people. It is a cooperative effort between private
agencies, between local, state and the federal government. And I am
very, very proud of the way the military has responded here.
&
Mr. President, how do you respond to criticism that
you did not act fast enough or you didn't respond to the needs --
THE PRESIDENT: Well, I think the reason -- I would
simply say this. First place, I'm not going to participate in the
blame game, nor is Governor Chiles. What we're trying to do is help
people. And it doesn't do any good to go into "who shot John." I
can tell you this -- that this large a military movement would not
have taken place if there was not very early planning and cooperation
by the military. And we have responded. I think the Governor would
agree that when he asked for this massive movement of force, it was
only within a few hours that we responded to that.
And so I think much more important than when something
took place or didn't take place is the feeling we must convey of
total cooperation. And I'm satisfied that we responded properly and
I'm very confident that the military have conducted their mission so
far with beautiful planning, now excellent execution. And I'm also
satisfied they will do whatever it takes to go the extra mile to help
the people of Florida. And that's all I'm going to say about that.
Q Was Chiles slow to ask for federal troops?
THE PRESIDENT: I'm not going to say that. I just
expressed myself on this subject. I think we've responded. I think
he would agree that when asked for a massive amount of force
yesterday, it's on the way. There were some things he asked about
that we were not able to do, but as he said down there -- and I will
say here -- we are having excellent cooperation between the
Governor's office, the State of Florida and the federal government.
He said it and I say it. And I'm not going to change my mind on
that. He's working --
0
Weren't you ready to send troops in there sooner?
THE PRESIDENT: -- very, very hard to coordinate. He's
got a very difficult job down there.
Q
Weren't troops ready to move sooner than that at
Bragg, though, and elsewhere?
THE PRESIDENT: I've already said when we were asked to
move we moved these massive numbers of forces.
2
But they were ready to move sooner if asked,
weren't they?
THE PRESIDENT: I'm not going to go into that, because I
don't -- what you seem to be interested in is kind of assigning blame
or something. That is not what's at stake here and I don't want to
participate in that.
There was some unit that we couldn't -- what was it --
MAJOR GENERAL HELDSTAB: One air battalion.
GENERAL REIMER: Air battalion.
THE PRESIDENT: Engineer -- and what was the reason for
that?
MAJOR GENERAL HELDSTAB: They had already been on their
two-week active duty and were unable to be involuntarily recalled.
MORE
- 3 -
THE PRESIDENT: There was one battalion he wanted to
have -- this was before yesterday's request -- and we were not able
to do it because those people had served -- it was a reserve unit,
they had served, and under the law we're not able to mobilize them.
But perhaps that's what's causing some of the concern.
But the Governor and I are looking at this, I think, the
same. I'm not going to -- you can ask him. But we want to give full
cooperation to what's happening there. You just turn on the set and
you can see these planes rolling in there. And that's the main
thing. We're looking forward, try to help, and try to wipe out these
little differences that some people want to talk about. I want to
dwell on how we're going to help the people in Florida.
0
Mr. President, does the federal government have the
lead role in this right now?
THE PRESIDENT: The federal government has a
tremendous -- has a leading role in the humanitarian relief. It does
not have a role in the security right now. That's left in the hands
of the state and it's been entrusted largely to the National Guard,
which is under the control of the Governor because it has not been
federalized.
Q
Mr. President, is the magnitude of this disaster
going to require additional federal funds?
THE PRESIDENT: Well, if it does, we will have to
acquire additional federal funds. I have not had an estimate on that
yet.
Q
Mr. President, what are your plans for this
weekend? And since you were able to manage the crisis involving the
Soviet coup and the prewar plans last year, why did you decide to
scrub your trip to Kennebunkport?
THE PRESIDENT: Well, I think I'll be having meetings
here over the weekend. I'll be down here either tomorrow or Sunday
for a report from the people on the ground down there. I don't want
to pull them out of there right now, but I think it is very important
that the coordination go forward. We've talked here about the
military. We have a lot of civilian agencies, 27 of them to be
exact, that are involved in all of this. And our staff here under
Jim Baker have been actively involved almost around the clock. But I
think it's important that all of these agencies know that the
President is going to be on top of this.
Q
Was there a political consideration in not going to
Kennebunkport, sir?
THE PRESIDENT: No political consideration.. I'd very
much would like to be there and regret not going. But I've got my
responsibilities here and I think I can do that from here. And then
I'm going to be at Camp David. We've got excellent communications;
it's almost like being in your office here. But I'll just do what
I've got to do.
Q
Mr. President, did Jim Baker or anyone say it
wouldn't look right, sir?
10
Mr. President, you mentioned that what happened
last night and this morning was the result of considerable planning
that had been done by the military. When did that planning actually
begin, sir, and how closely did you stay on top of it on the days
that followed your visit to Florida?
MORE
- 4 -
SECRETARY ATWOOD: On Sunday we activated the Army to
make plans this was before the hurricane struck.
THE PRESIDENT: Sunday the planning began, and they
activated plans before -- the planning before the hurricane struck.
They were giving me reports on what possibly we would use in terms of
assets.
Chiles as soon 2 as that plan was developed to be sure that he
Mr. President, were you in contact with Governor
understood it and could right then, that the second he asked for
federal assistance these trips would be in there?
THE PRESIDENT: I think I said that publicly when I was
in Florida on Tuesday -- was it Tuesday I was down there -- but when
I was there he was standing right next to me and we did talk about
that, yes.
We've talked about and I think we've had a good,
cooperative relationship. I heard some local officials who were
somewhat -- well, not somewhat -- quite critical. But I understand
that. These people have been up all night. They've been worried
about their constituency -- in this case a commissioner. They're
wondering how their people are going to get fed. So I can understand
tempers flaring. But I don't want to contribute to that. We want to
move forward here.
Q
Mr. President, part of the problem also that they
were saying was that there was, as you were saying earlier, a lack of
coordination, and also they were saying perhaps some red tape. Is
there anything more the White House can do to eliminate some of the
red tape to get the aid going quicker?
THE PRESIDENT: Well, any time you have this massive an
operation I suppose, as the young major I heard on the television
right now -- he said, well, there's a glitch from time to time, but
it's overwhelmed by the fact that so much good is happening. But
we've got good, competent people trying to work out the coordination
between the agencies. Andy Card, our Secretary of Transportation,
has my full confidence, and he's on the spot working with the other
federal officials and with the Governor's people. So if there are
any difficulties or red tape, we want to cut right through it.
Q Were you disappointed early response, sir?
THE PRESIDENT: No. I don't know what area they've not
responded in. Listen, if anybody can do the job better, why, we'll
be pushing them to do it better.
0 To clear up the situation in Louisiana, Mr.
President, is it your expectation that no federal troops will be
necessary there?
THE PRESIDENT: Well, I gather that's the case right
now. But we made clear to Governor Edwards that if more was required
to please let us know. I think he had assurance on that -- I didn't
talk to him; I've been trying to get hold of him but one or our
White House officials talked to him and I think that was his last,
latest judgment on it.
I've got time for one more question.
Q
Mr. President, yesterday you said the reason you
were sending in the military is because the size of the disaster is
so much larger than originally anticipated. Sir, why didn't we know
sooner that hundreds of thousands of people have been left homeless?
MORE
I
- 5 -
THE PRESIDENT: I think one of the reasons is you've got
a lot of isolated areas. Secondly, I don't know that there was a
large discrepancy in numbers of people that are out of their homes.
But as I said, yesterday we received a request for massive numbers of
troops and yesterday we responded within several hours. And I think
that will be Governor Chiles's understanding, too.
But, look, if any federal official is trying to blame a
state official, I want it to stop. And if any state official is
trying to blame the federal official or local official, that doesn't
-- that's not constructive. I know it makes very good, wonderful
debate, but it doesn't help anything. What we're trying to do is
work together here. And I am determined that from the federal
government's standpoint we give maximum cooperation to local and
state officials. And that's the way it's going to be.
And there is no point getting into blame and this "who
shot John" thing that I know everybody's fascinated with. I don't
want that and I don't want one single federal official trying to be
in the blame-assigning business. I've given you the facts here
today. I think Governor Chiles will understand that those are the
facts. And the important thing is to help the people.
And this military of ours, these men standing behind me
and those that work for them are doing a first-rate job in responding
to the order. And the order is to get down there and help people.
And it's a wonderful thing. And I think the people of Florida when
they see this, see the magnitude of this operation, will be very,
very grateful. And we all should be grateful that we can have this
kind of response.
Thank you all very much.
END
12:20 P.M. EDT
SP
THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE
OF DEFENSI
WABHINGTON, THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Dont
August 31, 1992
8/31
uderil
the money
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT.
say hes announcing will rebuild base
FROM:
THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE
SUBJECT:
Just
the
Rebuilding of Homestead Air Force Base
As you directed, we are prepared to begin rebuilding Homestead Air Force Base,
(Perhaps of add:
which was recently destroyed by Hurricane Andrew. The location of Homestead Air
Force Base permits strategically valuable air coverage of the Gulf of Mexico, the
Caribbean Sea, and portions of the eastern North Atlantic ocean, through the sea
lanes of which passes a substantial portion of American commerce. The location of
our 5'7" Have) commitment
Homestead also remains well-suited for the conduct of counternarcotics operations,
to
and especially the national effort to combat the trans-Caribbean cocaine trade. The
location also is well-suited to provide air defense along America's southeastern
flank, including areas adjacent to Cuba. Accordingly, the rebullding of Homestead
would serve a number of important military Interests. Also, rebuilding Homestead
Air Force Base would help spur economic recovery of the entire area of southern
Florida devastated by Hurricane Andrew and thus would be a significant element of
Its
the overall Federal program of aid to the stricken area.
The Base Before the Hurricane
ok](w.
Homestead Air Force Base, activated in 1942, is a 3,345 acre base 37 miles south of
Miami. It is the home of the Air Force's 31st Fighter Wing of F-16C/D aircraft, Air
Training Command's sea-survival school, and the 726th Control Squadron; a Naval
deletar)
are
Security Group activity; the Air Force Reserve's 482d Fighter Wing and 301st Rescue
Squadron; a detachment of the Florida Air National Guard's 125th Interceptor
Group; and the Inter-American Air Forces Academy. Approximately 6,500 military
personnel (accompanied by 5,500 family members) and 1,000 civilians worked at the
base. Its annual payroll was approximately $152 million.
RBL
Remaining Infrastructure
When the National Weather Center issued warnings that Hurricane Andrew's path
was likely to include the Homestead area, we evacuated from the base its personnel
and fighter aircraft. We sent for temporary assignment to Shaw Air Force Base,
South Carolina Homestead's three squadrons of fighters, two of which we intend to
further relocate temporarily at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia.
The Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force has advised that most of the physical plant at
Homestead Air Force Base was destroyed, although portions of some buildings are
usable at least to provide cover from the weather for temporary offices and shelter.
The Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs inspected the base hospital
over the weekend as part of his assessment of the medical situation. He concluded,
subject to final confirmation by a structural engineer, that a portion of the base
hospital appears to be usable to provide medical services. The runway remains in
operating condition. Beyond that, however, Homestead would be largely rebuilt
from scratch.
Current Base Operations
Since the early days of the rellef operation, Homestead Air Force Base has been open
for daylight operations under visual flight rules with rudimentary air traffic control.
Relief supplies and personnel have flowed into the Base. We have now installed
temporary navigational aids to replace those destroyed by the hurricane and have
established an emergency air traffic control operation using mobile gear. As a
result, tonight (8/31) Homestead can begin 24-hours-a-day operation.
We continue to use the land at Homestead for emergency sheiter. The Air Force has
deployed a containerized 1100-person hardwall shelter (known as "HARVEST
BEAR") to provide emergency shelter and some operating spaces. As the size of the
military relief operation continues to mount, the shelter and operational use of the
Base will expand.
Funds for Rebuilding
The General Counsel of the Department of Defense advises that: (1) a decision to
rebuild Homestead Air Force Base would be lawful and, in particular, would not
contravene statutes governing base closures and realignments, and (2) to rebuild
Homestead Air Force Base will require funding legislation from Congress - either
supplemental appropriations for the purpose (which we strongly prefer) or statutory
language authorizing us to use existing DOD appropriations for the purpose.
Although budget-quality data is not yet available on the cost of rebuilding
Homestead Air Force Base, our rough working estimate is $500,000,000.
I would recommend that we request appropriations for the rebuilding of Homestead
Air Force Base in the Florida disaster supplemental appropriations request that is in
preparation.
Attached are talking points for your use with respect to a decision to rebuild
Homestead Air Force Base.
TALKING POINTS ON DECISION TO REBUILD HOMESTEAD AIR FORCE BASE
- AS we visit here at Homestead Air Force Base, we have a lot of work ahead of us.
- Everyone from the local police officer walking the street to guard homes, to the
soldier hauling water to thirsty people, to the medical volunteer bandaging
wounds -- has shown great dedication to helping the people of southern Florida
recover.
- Americans all across the country have donated goods and money to private
organizations to help south Floridians.
- We have a massive Federal, State and local recovery effort under way.
- And it must be emphasized that in the great spirit of the American people the
people of the devastated area are doing a great deal for themselves - neighbors
helping neighbors.
- The armed forces are filling a vital role in the recovery effort - with troops,
equipment, and supplies and the airplanes, ships, and trucks to move them.
- We were fortunate that the runway at Homestead Air Force Base remained in
working condition and we have been able to use the Base to support recovery
efforts.
- Homestead Air Force Base has been important for many years because of its
location.
- The location of the Base permits strategically valuable air coverage of the Gulf of
Mexico, the Caribbean Sea, and the portions of the eastern North Atlantic ocean.
A substantial portion of American commerce passes through these sea lanes.
-- The location of the Base also remains well-suited for the conduct of
counternarcotics operations, and especially the effort to combat the trans-
Caribbean cocaine trade.
- The location of the Base also is well-suited to provide air defense along America's
southeastern flank, including areas adjacent to Cuba.
-- Because of the military value of the Base and because it is vital to the economic
recovery of the area, 1 am directing Secretary Cheney to rebuild Homestead Air
Force Base as a high priority.
We will need the cooperation of the Congress in providing the funding needed
to rebuild the Base, and I trust Members of Congress will support us.
- We look forward to the day when the Air Force fighter squadrons will come
home to Homestead.
Stay away for He funding
That
Federal Response to Victims of Hurricane Andrew
Status Report: Information Available as of August 31, 11:00 a.m.
**New information is in bold
Presidential Action
On August 24, the President declared a major disaster in three
Florida counties, and on August 26, the President declared a major
disaster for affected areas in Louisiana. On August 28, the
President declared that Collier County, Florida, was added to the
disaster declaration for both individual and public assistance.
FEMA estimates that Federal assistance provided in South Florida
could eventually total $1-2 billion. Federal assistance provided
in Louisiana could total $20-50 million. The President is
committed to providing this assistance as swiftly as possible.
On August 26, the President appointed Secretary of Transportation
Andrew Card to lead a task force of federal officials to travel to
the disaster areas, meet with state and local officials, and
coordinate the federal response in conjunction with FEMA.
l'atio
On August 27, after Secretary Card had reported on the situation
in Florida, and upon receipt of Governor Chiles's request for
military assistance, the President immediately directed Federal
troops to supply comprehensive assistance to the affected aress,
including mobile tents, food, water, field kitchens. He also
directed the Department of Defense to provide whatever
transportation is necessary, including aircraft and helicopters,
to fulfill that mission.
Secretary Card will hold & press conference in Florida at 3:00 p.m.
Department of Defense Support
Florida
On August 30, military presence totaled 13,381 military personnel
and 6,478 National Guard.
On August 28, 20 mobile field kitchens were operational in South
Florida. An additional 14 are scheduled to arrive by midnight
August 31.
The CINCLANT-20 bed hospital has arrived and is operational.
Advance elements of a 100-bed combat support hospital have arrived,
remaining elements are an route.
On August 30, a preventive medicine sanitation team arrived.
On August 30, 10,000 portable radios with batteries were shipped;
2
an additional 2,500 radios will be delivered August 31.
On August 28, the Corps of Engineers had arranged the delivery of
40,000 gallons of waters; an additional 200,000 gallons are
scheduled to arrive through August 29.
On August 28, contracts had been awarded to provide emergency
generators. Seventy-five miscellaneous generators had already been
delivered on August 28. Four 750 kilowatt generators are scheduled
to be in Miami by noon, August 29.
On August 28, the DOD search and rescue teams had completed their
mission.
On August 30, 300,000 MRE's had arrived and were being distributed.
An additional 600,000 are scheduled to be delivered within the next
two days.
On August 29, a DOD 20-bed clinic for triage and immediate care
will be operational in Dade County.
On August 30 and 31, the following is scheduled to arrive at Opa
Locka: 1,250 tents, 50,000 blankets, 25,000 cots, 2,500 water cans,
and 50 30-kilowatt generators. [On August 30, 468 medium and 59
large tents, and 75,000 blankets arrived.)
A Special Purpose Marine Task Group will arrive by August 30 to
construct two tent cities capable of housing 2,500 people each.
Louisiana
-spil
On August 29, four 750-kilowatt generators will have been delivered
to the State. Smaller generators have been provided to various
locations around the state,
300,000 MREs have been provided to the area
Helicopters provide transportation for assessment teams on a
continuous basis.
More than 100 power generators have been provided. Most of the
damaged electrical power has been restored, with the remainder
expected to be restored in the next couple days.
FEMA Disaster Relief
The President's disaster declarations activated assistance through
FEMA and various other emergency support functions through 27
Federal departments and agencies to three effected counties in
Florida and eight affected parishes in Louisiana.
FEMA provides assistance to individuals and State and local
3
governments. This assistance includes:
Temporery housing and grants to individuals and families (up
to $11,500 per household) whose homes and property were
damaged in the disaster, and who cannot qualify for SBA loans.
Assistance to local governments to cover the costs of
repairing damaged public buildings and utilities and regular
and overtime salary costs of State and local workers involved
in responding to the disaster.
On August 30, 15 stationary and five mobile Disaster Assistance
Centers were opened in South Florida. These centers will
coordinate Federal, state, and local assistance to residents and
businesses. FEMA plans to open up to five additional centers this
week.
Five Disaster Assistance Centers are open Louisiana as of August
30. FEMA plans to open three additional centers this week.
On August 29, a checkwriting facility will be established capable
of processing 3,000 temporary housing assistance checks a day. One
hundred computer work stations are being set up in the Miami
Disaster Field Office to process applications.
FEMA has established a toll-free number to respond to hurricane
victims seeking information or assistance: 1-800-462-9029; 135
operators staff the phone lines.
On August 26, North Carolina Governor Martin responded to the
President's request to direct his state's emergency management
division to assist in the restoration of electricity and
coordination of debris removel in Homestead, Florida.
Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance
The SBA will provide direct, low-interest loans to homeowners,
renters, businesses, and non-profit organizations experiencing
losses.
SBA currently estimates that it will make approximately $400 -
$700 million in loans.
Homeowners, renters, businesses, and non-profit organizations
can apply for either one or both types of SEA's disaster
loans. Loan repayments are based on the ability to repay,
and can run for terms of up to 30 years. Most of these loans
will be issues at a 4 percent interest rate.
Loans of up to $100,000 can be made to homeowners and renters
to cover damage to residences, and up to $20,000 to cover
damage to personal property. Loans of up to $500,000 can be
4
made to businesses to cover physical damage and economic
injury.
Immediate Assistance to Individuals and Families
Food
On August 29, USDA and the State of Florida reached an agreement
on emergency food stamps, which covers Dade County. There are
currently 123,548 households on food stamps in the county, and
under the agreement another 300,000 households are potentially
eligible (900,000 individuals). 62% of the population could
receive food stamps during the emergency period, for a total
estimated additional cost of approximately $110 million.
On August 29, USDA also reached an agreement with the State of
Louisiana on emergency food stamps, which will be provided to two
parishes, and portions of two additional parishes. The program
will cost an estimated $15 million above the normal program costs
for the four parishes.
On August 28, USDA made available an additional $5 million in
commodities for hurricane victims in Florida. Currently food is
being distributed from the army field kitchens and from seven
direct distribution centers. USDA plans to provide & continuous
flow of food to the 20 field kitchens.
An additional 104,000 pounds of food have been provided to the Red
Cross in Florida.
The Red Cross in Louisiana reports sufficient quantities of food.
USDA released $42,913 worth of commodities on August 29 to be used
as needed, and is has two-trucks of infant formula on stand-by.
The WIC program will be replaced by an emergency commodity program
in three parishes, because of difficulty processing WIC vouchers.
On August 25 and 26, USDA opened commodity warehouses in Broward
and Dade counties for food distribution. Schools and commodity
warehouses 27. in Louisiana began distributing stored stocks on August
On August 26, USDA authorized the state food distribution agency
to distribute 100,000 food packages (additional packages are en
route from North Carolina); 62,000 cold meal packets have already
been delivered.
On August 26, USDA sent 7,000 cases of food to the Red Cross and
other agencies to feed people in Florida shelters; additionally,
USDA sent two truck loads of infant formula for distribution in
Miami.
On August 27, the President reported the donation of 422,000 pounds
5
of food totaling more than $300,000 to Florida. The distribution
of more than 12,000 cases of this food will begin on August 28.
USDA has announced that WIC coupons will be valid at any vendor.
In addition, WIC services are being provided at alternative sites.
Housing
FEMA will write 120-day rent checks for homeowners and 90-day
checks for renters (as compared with 90-days for owners and 30-
days for renters).
The maximum amount allowed for home repair under FEMA programs is
being doubled from $5,000 to $10,000.
On August 28, HUD teams were surveying HUD-owned or controlled
housing to identify possible temporary housing units in the
disaster areas.
On August 27, the Department of Defense delivered 40 pallets of
plastic sheeting material to Opa Locks airport. The material will
be used for plastic roofing and temporary housing repair.
HUD will allow affected counties in Florida and Louisiana to use
Section 108 loan guarantees. The loans can finance removal of
debris, repair, rehabilitation, or demolition of buildings on
public land, installation of public improvements, housing
rehabilitation, and economic development activities.
Approximately 1200 public housing units were destroyed in Florida,
and an additional 1200 were severely damaged. HUD estimates a
total of $104 million in public housing damages.
Emergency shelters will also continue to be open indefinitely in
Florida and Louisiana, and temporary housing will be available
through HUD and FEMA grants.
On August 27, FEMA began to ship a supply of 1,500-2,500 mobile
homes to the Miami area; 25 per day will arrive beginning next
week. FEMA is identifying staging areas for the mobile homes.
Health and Education
On August 30, ten NHS Disaster Medical Assistance Teams had arrived
in Florida. HHS has also sent three medical management teams to
provide logistical support for emergency medicine.
On August 30, the Post Office delivered state and federal checks
normally delivered at the beginning of the month.
On August 28, NIH sent a preventive medicine team to Florida to
6
establish safeguards for public hygiene and sanitation.
HHS is preparing to send mental health units to the disaster areas
in response to requests from medical officials now in South
Florida.
On August 27, the Department of Veterans Affairs provided a 15,000
gellon water tanker to transport water to Miami Hospital from a
nearby VA facility.
Transportation
All major airports and facilities are operational in Florida.
On August 28, NASA agreed to provide to the state of Florida
specially equipped surveillance planes to be used for damage
assessment.
On August 28, the FAA will provided Miami airport with a mobile
radar system to provide long-range radar coverage while the
permanent radar facilities are undergoing repair.
On August 26, the General Services Administration delivered 7,000
gallons of diesel fuel for the FAA in Miami.
Law Enforcement
On August 30, Justice deployed 100 deputy marshals to assist the
Florida law enforcement efforts.
By August 27, 3,876 members of the National Guard were assisting
civil authorities in the region.
The Bureau of Prisons has transferred or evacuated nearly 2,000
inmates from Florida correctional facilities affected by the
hurricane.
Income and Employment Assistance
On August 26, the President announced that $10 million in emergency
funds will be provided to Florida and $10 million to Louisiana to
create 10,000 short-term jobs to clean up from the storm and help
restore essential public services. The funds are provided by the
emergency provisions of the Job Training Partnership Act. The
initial allocation of $3.3 million was delivered to the State of
Florida on August 27.
On August 26, the President also requested that federal agency
heads provide leave for employees located in the affected areas so
that they may attend to personal emergencies or participate in
relief afforts authorized by state and local governments.
7
On August 27, the Social Security Administration (SSA)
reestablished phone service in all its facilities in the area. SSA
has instituted emergency procedures to expedite claims for survivor
benefits for the families of those killed in the disaster.
Workers whose employment has been disrupted by the disaster will
eligible for unemployment insurance, or for emergency unemployment
benefits, for at least 26 weeks.
HURRICANE NOTES
From Atlanta Constitution; 8-27-92
Corporations like Blockbuster Video, Humana Hospital Corp.,
and AT&T announced cash contributions of as much as $1
million
*.
FEMA seed money: $57 million to FL
$77 million to LA
to get relief operations underway.
*
In New Iberia Senior High School, a banner hung in the hall
that read, "Surf's Up"
*
Gerri Hudson, owner of Bayou Teche Lounge on Main Street, New
Iberia, said, "I tried to have a nervous breakdown, but I
didn't have any nerves left," as water poured through the
roof.
*
Other corporate help: Kmart -- 800 cartons of diapers
Home Depot -- trying to keep prices
reasonable, and rationing generator
sales so people won't resell them.
*
Stroh's brewery sent 7,000 cases of fresh drinking water
Atlanta Constitution; 8-26-92
citrus, avocado, and mango groves were destroyed, as were
their packing plants.
*
Louisiana: sugar cane brings in $327 million annually;
traditionally harvested in late fall
rice growers bring in $240 million annually, and
they've already harvested half their crop
cotton, grown mostly in Louisisana and Mississippi
for a total of 1.1 billion/year, could suffer
if there's extreme flooding
oil: mainland and offshore production facilities
yield 417 million barrels annually.
"We're just financially getting over the bad freeze two years
ago. I'm a third-generation cane farmer. It looks like
it's going to stop with me." -- Kerry Herbert (farms 600
acres)
*
Sugar cane is 2d largest crop in LA, next to cotton. It
covers 390,000 acres of marshland near the Gulf coast.
Atlanta Constitution; 8-25-92
*
A woman and her family weathered the storm in Florida,
sandwiched between two mattresses.
Christian Science Monitor; 8-28-92
*
Bush's motorcade passed toppled billboards, snapped light
poles, sagging high voltage wires, and roofless hotels in
Louisiana
*
In Florida, someone drew a bullseye on the boarded-up windows
of the Peter Glenn of Vermont ski shop. A message is
printed in red letters: We Shall Return.
*
Small businesses have been hit the hardest, and they're the
largest employers/job creators, etc.
Christian Science Monitor; 8-26-92
*
On a radio talk show a caller offered a place to stay for
people left homeless by the storm. Another offered to move
debris with his miniature front loader.
Philadelphia Inquirer; 8-28-92
*
Issa Hatem, owner of a Days Inn in Homestead, fired up his
commercial-size outdoor grill and cooked filet mignon,
shrimp and scallops. The food was donated by local
restaurants and needed to be cooked before it spoiled due to
lack of electricity. They fed 2500 on Wednesday during the
day and at night feed almost 300 -- most of who are police.
*
At SW 157th Street in Miami, Scott Merrick a guardsman from
Oak Hill, FL, stuck an American flag between a twisted
traffic light and a storm gutter. He said, "This American
flag, I put it up because it says a whole lot about what's
happening here. Although these people are physically
beaten, you can notice that they show excellent spirit.' "
Washington Post; 8-28-92
*
Shirley Betzinger, age 74, whose mobile home in FL was
destroyed said, "I've worked too hard all my life to let
this knock me down. I'm not going to let it."
August 28, 1992
MEMORANDUM FOR SPEECHWRITERS/RESEARCHERS
FROM:
MICHELE NIX
SUBJECT:
ACTS OF HEROISM DURING HURRICANE ANDREW/QUOTES
"Edward Gary, after seeing his mobile home in shambles, went
straight to the rubble to find his American flag. It soon
LA
fluttered from the only wall left of his home. "I put it up
to let people know we got to go on," said an emotional Mr.
Gary, 29.
Gene Ledbetter, an industrial mechanic, rigged a generator
to the electric-powered respirator that keeps alive Derrick
LA
Williams, 19, a muscular dystrophy sufferer. Said
Ledbetter: "At one point I was fusing 110-volt connections
and standing ankle deep in water. It had to be done."
The Rev. Clarence Clem, 40 pastor of the Body of Christian
Believers Church, a predominately black church near Cutler
FL
Ridge. The church is gone as are the homes of all 85
members. Clem has held prayer meetings, Bible readings and
gives cheerful counsel to keep the members together and to
send them out to help others.
Bill Cromwell, 60, a retired businessman, braved the rough
LA
weather to deliver 300 hot meals to a Baton Rouge Emergency
shelter.
While evacuating residents, hotel lounge manager Larry Woods
opened a room to discover a woman sitting on the bed. It
was after he yelled, "Come on, let's go" that he realized
she was blind. Two men held the door open against the wind
A
and Larry carried her downstairs.
Quote by Mayor Emmett Hardaway, who spoke of the nine police
officers and public works employees who, after getting their
own families out of their town of Berwick, stayed to keep
their communities together. Said Hardaway: "That's
heroism. " "We all got into the mess together. We're all
going to get out together."
Alexo Muxo, Homestead City Manager, "It's never gone.
There's always tomorrow."
FL
A police officer who used his cruiser to ram another car out
of a dangerous area.
Bare-chested migrant workers walking miles to carry their
little children to safety.
Bush site visits in Florida on Monday (8/24) included: the
Little Havana home where George and Elizabeth Sancez
weathered the storm. Also, he spoke with Rhonda McCoy, who
said her Cutler Ridge apartment was destroyed. Also,
visited a shelter at South Miami High School, where families
sat on mattresses on the floor, with what few belongings
they had nestled beside them.
09/01/92
13:50
OMB PRESS OFFICE
002
SENT BY:CMB/HTF
; 8-31-92 i 7:28PM ;
2023851202-
20239510051# 1
Dear Mr. Stickney:
1 have determined that the damage in certain areas of the state
of Florida, resulting from Hurricane Andrew on August 23, 1992,
is of sufficient severity and magnitude that special conditions
are warranted regarding the limitation of Federal funds provided
under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency
Assistance Act ("the Stafford Act") for the Public Assistance
program.
Therefore, I amend my previous declaration to authorise Federal
reimbursement for 100 percent of eligible public assistance costs
exceeding $10 per capita, as is authorized under the law for
extreme disastere. This 100 percent reimbursement for costs above
sio per capita applies to all authorized public assistance costs,
including debris removal to eliminate immediate threats to public
Ur
health and safety, emergency work to save lives and protect
to
public health and safety, and repair or reconstruction of
uninsured public and private non-profit facilities. Temporary
you
housing assistance, mortgage/rental assistance, crisis counseling
assistance and disaster unemployment assistance will continue to
be 100 percent federally funded. Funds for public assistance up
to $10 per capita will be reimbursed pursuant to the conditions
set forth in my previous declaration.
This waiver of State and local cost-sharing requirements above
$10 per capita applies to all costs eligible for such a waiver
under the law. The law specifically prohibits a similar waiver
for funds provided to States for the Individual and Family Grant
program. These funds will continue to be reimbursed at 75
percent of total eligible costs.
This amended declaration is consistent with the request made to
you by the Governor of the State of Florida.
lease notify the Governor of the State of Florida and the
Federal Coordinating Officer of this amendment to my major
disaster declaration.
The Key points I authorize Feil reimbursement
for 100%g eligible panDi asstance Cord the of
Keep in
SENT BY:Xerox Telecopier 7020 ; 8-31-92 ; 19:47 ;
2023951005-> West Wing (1st Flr) :# 1
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
CHECK MAY SINE B
OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20503
FACSIMILE COVER SHEET
URGENT
NUMBER OF PAGES TO FOLLOW:
TO:
Bob Zoellick
FROM:
Bob Grady
ADDRESSE'S FAX NUMBER:
SENDER'S FAX NUMBER: (202)395-1005
SENDER'S CONFIRMATION NUMBER:
(202)395-4840
COMMENTS/SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
SENT BY:Xerox Telecopier 7020 ; 8-31-92 ; 19:48 ;
2023951005-> West Wing (1st Flr) ;# 2
MUG-31-92 MUN 18:41
FEMA/SL-AD
FAX NO. 2026464080
P.01
RBZ
DRAFT
Fixed up
version
coming
MEMORANDUM TO THE PRESIDENT
FLORIDA
RBy
On August 23, 1992, Hurricane Andrew struck the southern coast of
Florida causing widespread damage throughout the area. As & result
of this event, on August 24, 1992, the President declared a major
disaster declaration for the State of Florida, FEMA-955-DR.
On August 26, 1992, Governor Lawton Chiles submitted a request for
a waiver of the non-Federal cost sharing requirement for both the
Individual Assistance and Public Assistance programs.
INDIVIDUAL ASSISTANCE
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The Stafford Act contains no provision for waiver of cost sharing
for the Individual and Family Grant (IFG) program. Concerning the
Florida contribution of 25 percent, the law specifically states
The Federal share of a grant under this section shall be paid only
on condition that the remaining 25 percent of the cost is paid to
an individual or family from funds made available by a State."
PUBLIC ASSISTANCE
Under Section 406 of the Stafford Act, contributions may be made to
a State, local government, or private nonprofit organization for
the repair, restoration, reconstruction, or replacement of il
facility which 1s damaged or destroyed by a major disaster. The
Act establishes the Federal share of such contributions at not less
than 75 percent, thereby implicitly allowing up to 100 percent
where warranted.
In the President's declaration of August 24, 1992, modified cost
sharing was provided as follows: "Consistent with the requirement
that Federal assistance be supplemental, any Federal funds provided
under the Stafford Act for Public Assistance will be limited to 75
percent of the total eligible costs, except that for the first 10
days, FEMA is authorized to provide funds for debris removal and
emergency protective measures under Section 403 (a) at 90 percent of
the total eligible costs, if warranted."
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2023951005- West Wing (1st Fir) :# 3
On August 28, Governor Chiles requested, and was granted, that this
modified cost sharing be provided for essential services and debris
removal.
DISCUSSION
V
Insert India Asstant
Governor Chiles cites the immediate and long term economic impact
of this disaster as his primary consideration for the State. He
projects that a substantial portion of South Florida's tourism,
agriculture, agribusiness, and manufacturing have been destroyed or
severely crippled.
More than 400,000 people are without food, water, or electricity,
while over 189,000 are homeless.
The Governor reports that preliminary estimates of the damage to
public and private property in Florida may reach in the billions of
dollars. FEMA damage estimates, however, are still underway.
The
estimate of projected costs to date for assistance covered by the
Stafford Act may reach 8600 million The population for the State
of Florida is 12,957,926 If Stafford Acc assistance reach at $600
million, the state-wide per capita impact would be $46.
Should the damage projections stated by the Governor be reached,
Florida will be faced with serious financial issues for recovery.
FEMA believes that some measure of cost sharing would be
appropriate since the Stafford Act states that Federal assistance
in supplemental to the resources of the State and local
governments. The declaration letter you signed on August 24, 1992,
must be amended to authorize any change. We
recommend
that
eligible Public Assistance costs up to $10 per capita continue to
be cost shared at 75 percent Federal and 25 percent State of
Florida, except that for the first 10 days debris removal and
emergency protective measures will be cost shared at 90 percent
Federal and 10 percent State of Florida. For all costs beyond $10
per capita, the cost sharing requirements should be waived_
CONCLUSIONS
(wirecombit)
Cost sharing by the State of Florida for Public Assistance at
an increased leval of Federal participation is justified in
order to enable a successful recovery for Hurricane Andrew.
Cost sharing by the Federal government for the Individual and
Family Grant Program is limited by law to 75% of the total
cost of this program.
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2023951005-> West Wing (1st Flr) ;# 4
RECOMMENDATION
That the Governor's request be addressed by modifying cost sharing
for Public Assistance to provide 100% Federal share for public
assistance costs for those public assistance costs above $10 per
capita, as indicated in the proposed letter.
Wallace E. Stickney
Director
Date:
Attachments:
Amended Declaration Letter
Declaration Letter
Governor's Request
The President has ordered federal assistance to the
state of Florida to help in recovery efforts resulting from
Hurricane Andrew. The President signed a disaster
declaration for Dade, Broward, and Monroe counties that will
make at least $50 million available as an initial allocation
of disaster funds. Federal Emergency Management Agency
officials are on the scene inspecting damage and setting up
emergency centers.
President Bush spoke by telephone with Governor Lawton
Chiles early this afternoon to offer all Federal Assistance
possible. The President will go to Florida this afternoon
to inspect the damage and assure the people of Florida of
full federal assistance. Wallace Stickney, Director of the
Federal Emergency Agency, and Senator Connie Mack of
Florida, will accompany the President. We will depart
Newark as scheduled at approximately 3:25 p.m. en route to
Opalocka, Florida, where he will inspect damage and meet
with local officials.
AUG-25-9992 09:13 FROM
TO
913125274139
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TUE 25 AUG 92 12:27
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AIR FORCE ONE
527 4139
To: Bob Zoelleck
Re: Legion Insert.
I suggest this should be inserted after first paragraph.
II you 11 allow me one aside, I was in Southern Florida physical last
dest
on While witnessed, you can't L help but be impressed at by our the
I was stunned by the incredible
nven
ano 1 pull togothor in times of cricis We are
hes
nen times are bad.
lorida has been declared a foderal dioactor area and you
Sou know that 27 federal agencios including our military
should -- are pulling together to assist Floridians in their
time services of need. I hope I speak for all Americans when I do say our
prayers are with the people of South Florida, and we will
everything we can -- to help them recover.
Photocopy-Preservation
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