Statement by the Press Secretary on Federal Disaster Assistance for District of Columbia

The President today declared an emergency exists in the District of Columbia and ordered Federal aid to supplement the District's response efforts to assist evacuees from the area struck by Hurricane Katrina and to provide emergency assistance to the District beginning on August 29, 2005, and continuing.

The President's action makes Federal funding available to the District of Columbia.

Specifically, assistance is available to the District for emergency protective measures that are undertaken to save lives and protect public health and safety. Emergency protective measures, including direct Federal assistance, will be provided at 100 percent Federal funding.

Representing FEMA, Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary for Emergency Preparedness and Response, Department of Homeland Security, named Patricia G. Arcuri as the Federal Coordinating Officer for Federal recovery operations in the affected area.

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