Statement by the Press Secretary

The President today declared an emergency exists in the State of New York and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by record/near record snow on February 17-18, 2003.

The President's action makes Federal funding available to the State and eligible local governments in Albany, Broome, Chenango, Columbia, Delaware, Dutchess, Greene, Nassau, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Schenectady, Schoharie, Suffolk, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester Counties, and New York City.

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 48-hour period.

Representing FEMA, Michael D. Brown, Acting Under Secretary for Emergency Preparedness and Response, named Peter Martinasco as the Federal Coordinating Officer for Federal recovery operations in the affected area.

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