Statement by the Press Secretary on Federal Assistance for New Hampshire in February

The President today declared that an emergency exists in the State of New Hampshire and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by record snow on February 10-11, 2005.

The President's action makes Federal funding available to the State and eligible local governments in the counties of Carroll Cheshire, Coos, Grafton, and Sullivan.

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 72-hour period.

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

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