Federal Funds Ordered For District Of Columbia Snowstorm Recovery
Release Date: March 14, 2003
Release Number: HQ-03-075
» More Information on District of Columbia Snowstorm
Washington, D.C. -- The head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that federal disaster funds have been authorized for the District of Columbia to supplement emergency response efforts for the near-record snowfall that hit the area on February 16-17.
Michael D. Brown, FEMA director and under secretary designee for the Emergency Preparedness and Response Directorate, a part of the Department of Homeland Security, said President Bush ordered the assistance under an emergency declaration issued after a review of the agency's analysis of the District's request for federal relief.
Brown said the President's action makes federal funding available to the District's government to pay part of the cost for emergency protective measures undertaken as a result of the snowstorm. This includes state and local government operations needed to protect public health and safety and to prevent damage to public or private property.
Under the emergency declaration, FEMA will provide reimbursement for 75 percent of the total eligible costs of equipment, contracts, and personnel overtime related to emergency services in dealing with the snow over a 48-hour period. These are the crucial hours when work crews clear snow from emergency routes and roads to critical facilities to permit the passage of emergency vehicles. Related emergency protective measures such as sanding and salting, search and rescue, shelter operations, and police and fire department response will also be eligible for reimbursement.
Brown named Thomas Davies of FEMA to coordinate the federal assistance.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 19-Mar-2003 14:48:37