Initial Notice

Billing Code 9110-10

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Federal Emergency Management Agency

[FEMA-1504-DR]

Federated States of Micronesia; Major Disaster and Related Determinations

AGENCY: Federal Emergency Management Agency, Emergency Preparedness and Response Directorate, Department of Homeland Security.

ACTION: Notice.

SUMMARY: This is a notice of the Presidential declaration of a major disaster for the Federated States of Micronesia (FEMA-1504-DR), dated December 19, 2003, and related determinations.

EFFECTIVE DATE: December 19, 2003.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Magda Ruiz, Recovery Division, Federal Emergency Manage­ment Agency, Washington,

DC 20472, (202) 646-2705.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notice is hereby given that, in a letter dated December 19, 2003, the President declared a major disaster under the authority of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 5121-5206 (the Stafford Act) , as follows:

I have determined that the damage in certain areas of the Federated States of Micronesia resulting from Typhoon Lupit on November 22-26, 2003, is of sufficient severity and magnitude to warrant a major disaster declaration under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 5121-5206 (the Stafford Act). I, therefore, declare that such a major disaster exists in the Federated States of Micronesia.

In order to provide Federal assistance, you are hereby authorized to allocate from funds available for these purposes, such amounts as you find necessary for Federal disaster assistance and administrative expenses.

You are authorized to provide Individual Assistance limited to Emergency Food Assistance (Food Commodities) and Public Assistance, including direct Federal assistance in the designated areas. You are also authorized to provide Hazard Mitigation throughout the Federated States of Micronesia, and any other forms of assistance under the Stafford Act you may deem appropriate. Consistent with the requirement that Federal assistance be supplemental, any Federal funds provided under the Stafford Act for Public Assistance, including direct Federal assistance, and Hazard Mitigation will be limited to 75 percent of the total eligible costs. If Other Needs Assistance under Section 408 of the Stafford Act is later requested and warranted, Federal funds provided under that program will also be limited to 75 percent of the total eligible costs.

Further, you are authorized to make changes to this declaration to the extent allowable under the Stafford Act.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) hereby gives notice that pursuant to the authority vested in the Under Secretary for Emergency Preparedness and Response, Department of Homeland Security, under Executive Order 12148, as amended, Michael Karl, of FEMA is appointed to act as the Federal Coordinating Officer for this declared disaster.

I do hereby determine the following areas within the Federated States of Micronesia to have been affected adversely by this declared major disaster:

Individual Assistance limited to Emergency Food Assistance through USDA for the islands of Eauripik, Elato, Fais, Faraulap, Ifalik, Lamotrek, Satawal, Ulithi, and Woleai Islands within Yap State.

Yap State for Public Assistance.

All areas within the Federated States of Micronesia are eligible to apply for assistance under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.