The President today declared a major disaster exists in the Territory of the U.S. Virgin Islands and ordered Federal aid to supplement Territory recovery efforts in the area struck by Hurricane Earl during the period of August 29- 31, 2010.

Federal funding is available to Territory and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by Hurricane Earl on the islands of St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas, including Water Island.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures for the islands of St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas, including Water Island.

W. Craig Fugate, Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Department of Homeland Security, named Philip E. Parr as the Federal Coordinating Officer for Federal recovery operations in the affected area.

FEMA said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the Territory of the U.S. Virgin Islands and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:  FEMA (202) 646-3272 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (202) 646-3272 end_of_the_skype_highlighting.