Bureau Of The Public Debt Aids Savings Bonds Owners in Puerto Rico Battered By Tropical Storm Jeanne

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 24, 2004

The Bureau of the Public Debt took action to assist victims of landslides and mudslides in Puerto Rico caused by Tropical Storm Jeanne by expediting the replacement or payment of United States Savings Bonds for owners in affected municipalities. The emergency procedures are effective immediately and will allow authorized agents to redeem Series EE and I savings bonds that are less than one year old which are presented for payment by their owners through the end of October 2004.

Public Debt's action waives the normal one-year holding period for Series EE and I savings bonds presented to authorized paying agents for redemption by residents of the affected areas. Most financial institutions serve as paying agents for savings bonds.

The affected municipalities in Puerto Rico include: Aguada, Aguadilla, Aguas Buenas, Aibonito, Anasco, Arecibo, Arroyo, Barceloneta, Barranquitas, Bayamon, Camuy, Canovanas, Carolina, Catano, Cayey, Ceiba, Ciales, Cidra, Coamo, Comerio, Corozal, Dorado, Florida, Guayama, Hatillo, Humacao, Isabela, Juana Diaz, Juncos, Lares, Las Piedras, Loiza, Manati, Maunabo, Moca, Morovis, Naguabo, Naranjito, Orocovis, Patillas, Quebradillas, Rincon, Rio Grande, Salinas, San Lorenzo, San Sebastian, Santa Isabel, Toa Alta, Toa Baja, Utuado, Vega Alta, Vega Baja, Villalba and Yabucoa.

Public Debt will also expedite the replacement of bonds lost or destroyed. Bond owners should complete form PD F-1048, available at most financial institutions or by writing to their servicing Federal Reserve Bank. The address to write to is: Customer Service Department, Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Buffalo Branch, P. O. Box 961, Buffalo, NY 14240-0961; phone (800) 234-2931. This form can also be downloaded from Public Debt's website, www.treasurydirect.gov. Bond owners should include as much information as possible about the lost bonds on the form. This information should include how the bonds were inscribed, Social Security number, approximate dates of issue, bond denominations and serial numbers, if available. A notary public or an officer of a financial institution must certify the completed form. Completed forms should be forwarded to Public Debt’s Office of Investor Services, 200 Third Street, Parkersburg, WV 26106-1328. Bond owners should write the word "DISASTER" on the front of their envelopes to help expedite the processing of claims.