Statement by Deputy Press Secretary Tony Fratto

Business Wire, March 13, 2008

WASHINGTON -- The President today declared an emergency exists in the State of Illinois and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local response efforts in the area struck by record snow and near record snow during the period of February 5-6, 2008.

The President's action makes Federal funding available to the State and eligible local governments in the counties of Boone, Carroll, Jo Daviess, Lake, McHenry, Stephenson, and Winnebago.

Assistance is available to State and eligible local governments on a cost-sharing basis for emergency protective measures that were undertaken to save lives and protect public health, safety and property over a continuous 48-hour period during or proximate to the incident period.

R. David Paulison, Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Department of Homeland Security, named Lawrence Sommers as the Federal Coordinating Officer for Federal recovery operations in the affected area.

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