FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 8, 1997
CONTACT: Dana Hagerty 202/225-2165
WASHINGTON, DC -- Congressman Collin C. Peterson announced this evening at 7:30 p.m. that President Clinton has declared twenty-one counties in Minnesota a major disaster area. This disaster declaration makes available several different kinds of Federal aid, including individual and public assistance for those affected by the flooding and severe weather in northwestern Minnesota.
"I spent hours on the phone with the White House today to get this declaration signed. I also spoke to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Director, James L. Witt, and I expect him to join me in Minnesota later this week for a tour of the damaged areas," Peterson said.
"I will continue working with FEMA to insure that all the people who need Federal help are getting it," Peterson said. "When the flooding ends, the recovery process is going to take some time; any help the 7th District can get will be appreciated.
"I've always known that the people in my district are the best in the country, and the past few days have proven that to me," Peterson said. "Communities, individuals --everyone has done such a tremendous job of coming together."