
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, March 27, 1993                   TAG: 9303270177
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C4   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

EMERGENCY AID DECLARED FOR BLIZZARD

President Clinton has issued an emergency assistance declaration to Southwest Virginia localities hit hardest by the March 12-14 snowstorm.

The declaration means the federal Emergency Management Agency will reimburse state and local governments up to 75 percent of their snow-removal costs during the storm, according to Rep. Rick Boucher, D-Abingdon.

"These funds will help offset the enormous financial burden our region's localities have incurred as a result of the recent winter storm," Boucher said.

The state Department of Emergency Services has estimated that Virginia localities spent $5.8 million for snow removal, shelters and other emergency activities during the storm, said Mike LaCivita, a department spokesman.

The percentage of that amount spent on snow removal was not immediately available.

A request for assistance with the other expenses, such as operating shelters for stranded motorists, still is pending.

FEMA plans to hold meetings to inform local governments how to apply for the emergency assistance.

by CNB