James Lee Witt, Federal Emergency Management Agency Director, said President Clinton authorized the aid under a major disaster declaration issued in April. The assistance will pay 75 percent of eligible costs for emergency services related to the drought, including the production and delivery of portable water supplies. Funds also will be available to the four FSM states on a cost-sharing basis, primarily for approved projects that reduce future risks of acute water shortages.
Most islands designated for aid are outlyers of the main islands in each state.
In Pohnpei they are Kapingamarangi, Nukuoro, Pingelap, Mwokilloa and Sapwuahfik. Eligible in Yap are Eauripik, Elato, Fais, Faraulap, Ifalik, Lamotrek, Ngulu, Satawak, Ulithi, Woleai and Yap proper. Designated islands in Chuuk are Eot, Ettai, Fanapanges, Fefan, Fonanu, Fono, Houk, Kuttu, Lekinioch, Losap, Makur, Moch, Murillo, Nama, Namoluk, Nomwin, Oneup, Onou, Onoun, Paata, Parem, Piherach, Piis-Emwar, Polle, Polowat, Romanum, Ruo, Statwan, Siis, Ta, Tol, Tamatem, Tonoas, Udot, Eman, Unanu, amd Womei. FEMA will consider including the main islands of the states if it receives information that conditions have worsened for Pohnpei, Kosrae, and Weno. It is hoped FEMA has deep pockets because El Nino might be most felt when normal rainfall returns.