For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
July 21, 2003

Statement on Federal Assistance for Nebraska
Statement by the Press Secretary

The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State of Nebraska and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms and tornadoes on June 9, 2003, through July 14, 2003.

Federal funding is available to the State and eligible local governments in the counties of Cedar, Douglas, Greeley, Howard,Jefferson, McPherson, Perkins, Platte, Stanton, and Thayer on a cost-sharing basis for the repair or replacement of public facilities damaged by the severe storms and tornadoes. Federal funding is also available on a cost-share basis for hazard mitigation measures.

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

The Agency said that damage surveys are continuing in other areas, and additional counties may be added for assistance after the assessments are completed.

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