Statement by the Press Secretary on Federal Assistance for Illinois

The President today declared an emergency exists in the State of Illinois and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by record/near record snow on December 21-23, 2004.

The President's action makes Federal funding available to the State and eligible local governments in the counties of Edwards, Franklin, Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Jackson, Johnson, Lawrence, Massac, Pope, Richland, Saline, Union, Wabash, White and Williamson.

Assistance is available to State and eligible local governments on a cost-sharing basis for emergency protective measures that were undertaken to save lives and protect public health, safety and property over a 48-hour period.

Representing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary for Emergency Preparedness and Response, Department of Homeland Security, named Scott Wells as the Federal Coordinating Officer for Federal recovery operations in the affected area.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: FEMA (202) 646-4600.