For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
August 1, 2003

Statement on Federal Assistance for North Dakota
Statement by the Press Secretary

The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State of North Dakota and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms and high winds on June 24-25, 2003.

Federal funding is available to the State and eligible local governments in Barnes County on a cost-sharing basis specifically for the repair or replacement of eligible rural electrical utility systems damaged by the severe storms and high winds.

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 James N. Russo 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.