Statement by the Press Secretary - President Obama Signs Maine Disaster Declaration

The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State of Maine and ordered Federal aid to supplement State, Tribal, and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms and flooding during the period of December 12-19, 2010.

Federal funding is available to State, Tribal, and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storms and flooding in the counties of Aroostook, Piscataquis and Washington, and the Tribal lands of the Passamaquoddy Tribe located entirely within Washington County.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures for all counties and Tribes within the State.

W. Craig Fugate, Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Department of Homeland Security, named James N. Russo 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 State and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

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