President Approves Emergency Aid

For Connecticut Snowstorm

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Federal disaster funds have been authorized for Connecticut by President George W. Bush to supplement state and local response efforts in communities hit by last month’s record snowfall, according to the head of the US Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Michael D. Brown, under secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response, said the President took the action under an emergency declaration issued last week following a review of the agency’s analysis of the state’s request for federal assistance. The declarations covers jurisdictions with record and near record snowfall that occurred over the period of December 5–7.

After the President’s action, Mr Brown designated the counties of Fairfield, Hartford, Litchfield, New Haven, Tolland, and Windham eligible for federal funding to pay part of the cost for emergency protective measures undertaken as a result of the snowstorm.

Under the emergency declaration, FEMA will provide reimbursement to state and local government agencies for 75 percent of the total eligible costs of equipment, contracts, and personnel overtime related to emergency services in dealing with the snow over a 48-hour period. These are the crucial hours when work crews clear snow from emergency routes and roads to critical facilities to permit the passage of emergency vehicles. Related emergency measures such as sanding and salting will also be eligible for reimbursement.

Mr Brown named James N. Russo of FEMA to coordinate the federal assistance in the affected areas.