Statement by the Press Secretary on Federal Disaster Assistance for New York

The President today declared an emergency exists in the State of New York and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local response efforts in the area struck by record snow and near record snow during the period of February 2-12, 2007.

The President's action makes Federal funding available to the State and eligible local governments in the counties of Lewis, Oneida, and Oswego.

Assistance is available to State and eligible local governments on a cost-sharing basis for emergency protective measures, including snow removal, that were undertaken to save lives and protect property and public health and safety over a continuous 48-hour period during or proximate to the incident period.

R. David Paulison, Director, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Department of Homeland Security, named Marianne C. Jackson as the Federal Coordinating Officer for Federal recovery operations in the affected area.

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