For Immediate Release
OFFICE OF THE PRESS SECRETARY
April 29, 2004

Statement by the Press Secretary

The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State of New Mexico and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms and flooding on April 2-11, 2004.

Federal funding is available to State and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storms and flooding in the counties of Bernalillo, Eddy, Mora, and San Miguel.

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 Thomas Davies 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 designations may be made after the assessments are completed.

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