President Announces Major Disaster Declaration For Minnesota
Release Date: April 9, 2009
Release Number: HQ-09-035
» More Information on Minnesota Severe Storms and Flooding
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today announced that federal disaster aid has been made available for the state of Minnesota to help supplement state and local response efforts in the area struck by a severe winter storms and flooding during the period of March 16, 2009, and continuing.
FEMA Acting Administrator Nancy Ward said the assistance was authorized under a major disaster declaration issued for the state by President Obama. Federal funding is available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organization on a cost-sharing basis for Clay, Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Polk, Traverse, and Wilkin counties. In addition, federal funding is available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures for all counties statewide
Ward named Michael H. Smith as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Smith said that damage surveys are continuing in other areas, and more counties and additional forms of assistance may be designated after the assessments are complete.
FEMA leads and supports the nation in a risk-based, comprehensive emergency management system of preparedness, protection, response, recovery, and mitigation, to reduce the loss of life and property and protect the nation from all hazards including natural disasters, acts of terrorism and man-made disasters.
Last Modified: Friday, 10-Apr-2009 08:36:59