Statement by the Press Secretary on Federal Emergency Assistance for Connecticut

The President today declared an emergency exists in the State of Connecticut and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by record snowfall during the period of February 11-12, 2006.

The President's action makes Federal funding available to the State and eligible local governments in the counties of Fairfield, Hartford, New Haven, Tolland, and Windham.

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 continuous 48-hour period during or proximate to the incident period.

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

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