Statement by the Press Secretary on Federal Disaster Assistance for Micronesia

The President today declared an emergency exists in the Federated States of Micronesia and ordered Federal aid to supplement national and state response efforts in the area impacted by a drought beginning on March 5, 2007, and continuing.

The President's action authorizes the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to coordinate all disaster relief efforts which have the purpose of alleviating the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population, and to provide appropriate assistance for required emergency measures, authorized under Title V of the Stafford Act, to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety, or to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe in the islands of Kuttu, Lukunoch, Onanu, Oneop, Onou, and Tamatam within Chuuk State.

Specifically, FEMA is authorized to identify, mobilize, and provide at its discretion, equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the emergency. Individual Assistance, limited to the Emergency Food Assistance Program, and emergency protective measures (Category B) under the Public Assistance program, including direct Federal assistance, will be provided. Emergency protective measures, including direct Federal assistance, will be provided at 75 percent Federal funding.

R. David Paulison, Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Department of Homeland Security, named Woodrow Goins, Jr. as the Federal Coordinating Officer for Federal recovery operations in the affected area.

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