Statement by the Press Secretary

The President today declared an emergency exists in the State of Colorado and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by record/near record snow on March 17-20, 2003.

The President's action makes Federal funding available to the State and eligible local governments in Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Clear Creek, Custer, Denver, Douglas, Elbert, El Paso, Fremont, Gilpin, Grand, Huerfano, Jackson, Jefferson, Larimer, Las Animas, Park, Summit, Teller, and Weld Counties.

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 72-hour period.

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

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