Today, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. declared that a major disaster exists for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians and ordered federal aid to supplement the Tribe’s efforts in the areas affected by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic beginning on January 20, 2020, and continuing.

The President’s action makes federal funding available for Crisis Counseling for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians.

Federal funding is also available to the Poarch Band of Creek Indians and certain private nonprofit organizations for emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance, for the entire Tribe impacted by COVID-19.

Robert J. Fenton, Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Department of Homeland Security, named Gracia B. Szczech as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas.

Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the Tribe and warranted by the results of further assessments.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION MEDIA SHOULD CONTACT THE FEMA NEWS DESK AT (202) 646-3272 OR [email protected].

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