Statement by the Press Secretary: Emergency Declaration on Shuttle Columbia

The President today amended the emergency declaration issued for the State of Texas on February 1, 2003 for the loss of the Space Shuttle Columbia. Under the President's amending action, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is authorized to provide Federal Operations Support for debris removal, at 100 percent Federal funding, in any other state that the Agency determines is impacted by the accident.

FEMA is the lead Agency for coordinating the Federal assistance and directing other Federal agencies in recovery of Space Shuttle Columbia's remains.

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