Statement by the Press Secretary on Federal Assistance for Ohio

The President today declared an emergency exists in the State of Ohio and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by record snow on December 22-24, 2004.

The President's action makes Federal funding available to the State and eligible local governments in the counties of Butler, Champaign, Clark, Darke, Delaware, Franklin, Greene, Hamilton, Hardin, Logan, Madison, Miami, Montgomery, Preble, Shelby, Union, and Warren.

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 the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary for Emergency Preparedness and Response, Department of Homeland Security, named Lee Champagne as the Federal Coordinating Officer for Federal recovery operations in the affected area.

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