Statement by the Press Secretary on Federal Disaster Assistance for Louisiana

The President today made additional disaster assistance available to the State of Louisiana impacted by Hurricane Katrina by authorizing an extension of 100 percent Federal funding of total eligible costs for debris removal for selected parishes, including direct Federal assistance, under the Public Assistance program.

Under the President's order today, the time period for 100 percent Federal funding of total eligible costs for debris removal, including direct Federal assistance, has been extended through and including December 31, 2006, for the following five parishes: Orleans, St. Bernard, St. Tammany, Washington, and Plaquemines.

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