Emergency Funds Authorized For New York Blackout Response
Release Date: August 23, 2003
Release Number: HQ-03-170
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Washington, D.C. -- The head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that President Bush has authorized the release of federal emergency funds for New York to help cover part of the costs incurred in responding to last week's statewide power outage.
Michael D. Brown, FEMA Director and Under Secretary for Emergency Preparedness and Response at Homeland Security, said the President took the action under an emergency declaration issued following a review of the agency's analysis of the state's request for federal assistance.
According to Brown, the emergency declaration authorizes FEMA to provide up to $5 million in federal funds to reimburse the state and affected local governments at 75 percent federal share for the costs of emergency measures taken to save lives, protect property, and insure public health and safety during the period of August 14-16. Brown designated all of the state's counties eligible for the assistance following the declaration.
Justo Hernandez of FEMA was named by Brown to coordinate the federal assistance.
On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages Citizens Corps, the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Saturday, 23-Aug-2003 18:22:20