Statement by the Press Secretary: President Obama Signs District of Columbia Disaster Declaration

The President today declared a major disaster exists in the District of Columbia and ordered Federal aid to supplement the District’s recovery efforts in the area struck by a severe winter storm and snowstorm during the period of December 18-20, 2009.

Federal funding is available to the District of Columbia and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe winter storm and snowstorm.

In addition, assistance is available to the District of Columbia on a cost-sharing basis for emergency. protective measures, including snow assistance, for a continuous 48-hour period during or proximate to the incident period.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures for the District of Columbia.

W. Craig Fugate, Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Department of Homeland Security, named Regis Leo Phelan as the Federal Coordinating Officer for Federal recovery operations in the affected area.

FEMA said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the District of Columbia and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: FEMA (202) 646-3272.