Statement by Press Secretary Dana Perino

2008-09-14 02:47:01 -

- The President today made additional disaster assistance available to the State of Texas impacted by Hurricane Ike beginning on September 7, 2008, and continuing, by authorizing an increase in the level of Federal funding for debris removal (Category A), including direct Federal assistance, under the Public Assistance program.

Under the President's major disaster declaration issued for the State

of Texas on September 13, 2008, for Hurricane Ike, Federal funding was made available to State and local governments in the counties of Angelina, Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Cherokee, Fort Bend, Galveston, Grimes, Hardin, Harris, Houston, Jasper, Jefferson, Liberty, Madison, Matagorda, Montgomery, Nacogdoches, Newton, Orange, Polk, Sabine, San Augustine, San Jacinto, Trinity, Tyler, Walker, Waller, and Washington Counties for debris removal (Category A) under the Public Assistance program, including direct Federal assistance.

Under the President's amended order today, the Federal share for debris removal (Category A), including direct Federal assistance, under the Public Assistance program, has been increased to 100 percent Federal funding for a period of up to 72 hours.

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

White House Press Office
1-202-456-2580