Statement by the Press Secretary on Federal Disaster Assistance for Mississippi

The President today made additional disaster assistance available to areas of the State of Mississippi impacted by Hurricane Katrina by authorizing an extension of 100 percent Federal funding of total eligible costs for ongoing debris removal projects, including direct Federal assistance, under the Public Assistance program.

Under the President's order today, the time period for 100 percent Federal funding of total eligible costs for debris removal, including direct Federal assistance, has been extended through and including May 15, 2007.

The area eligible for assistance is limited to existing projects in the Mississippi Sound. The Sound also incorporates rivers and tributaries in the southern Mississippi region that is part of the intra-coastal waterway system.

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