For Immediate Release
OFFICE OF THE PRESS SECRETARY
August 23, 2003

Statement on Federal Assistance for New York
Statement by the Press Secretary

The President today declared an emergency exists in the State of New York and ordered Federal aid to supplement state and local response efforts in the area impacted by a statewide power outage on August 14-16, 2003.

The President's action authorizes FEMA to provide appropriate assistance for required emergency measures, authorized under Title V of the Stafford Act, to save lives, protect property and public health and safety, or to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe for all counties in the State of New York.

Specifically, FEMA is authorized to provide up to $5 million for emergency protective measures to state and local governments at 75 percent Federal funding.

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

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