For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
March 11, 2003

Statement by the Press Secretary

The President today declared an emergency exists in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and ordered Federal aid to supplement Commonwealth and local recovery efforts in the area struck by record/near record snow on February 17-18, 2003.

The President's action makes Federal funding available to the State and eligible local governments in 14 counties. The counties include Barnstable, Berkshire, Bristol, Dukes, Essex, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, Middlesex, Nantucket, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk, and Worcester.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which is now incorporated into the Department of Homeland Security, Emergency Preparedness and Response Directorate, intends to provide assistance for emergency protective measures undertaken to save lives, protect public health and safety, and property. The assistance will be provided for a period of 48 hours.

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

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