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For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
November 19, 2005

Statement by the Press Secretary

The President today made additional disaster assistance available to the State of Mississippi, impacted by Hurricane Katrina from August 29-October 14, 2005, by authorizing an extension of the period of 100 percent Federal funding of total eligible costs for debris removal and emergency protective measures, including direct Federal assistance, under the Public Assistance program.

Under the President's amended major disaster declaration issued for the State of Mississippi on September 1, 2005, for Hurricane Katrina, Federal funding was made available to State and designated local governments for debris removal and emergency protective measures, including direct Federal assistance, at 100 percent of the total eligible costs for a period of 60 days retroactive to the date of the President's major disaster declaration of August 29, 2005.

On October 22, 2005, the President amended his declaration of September 1, 2005, and extended the time period for 100 percent Federal funding for debris removal and emergency protective measures, including direct Federal assistance, for a period of 30 days, through and including November 26, 2005.

Under the President's order today, the time period for the 100 percent Federal funding of total eligible costs for debris removal and emergency protective measures, including direct Federal assistance, has been extended through and including January 15, 2006. Effective January 16, 2006, the Federal funding for debris removal and emergency protective measures (Categories A and B), including direct Federal assistance, under the Public Assistance program, will be authorized at 90 percent of total eligible costs.

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

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