Statement by the Press Secretary

WASHINGTON--(Business Wire)--The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State
of Washington and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local
recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms, flooding,
landslides, and mudslides beginning on December 1, 2007, and
continuing.

Federal funding is available to State and eligible local
governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a
cost-sharing basis in the counties of Grays Harbor, Kitsap, Lewis,
Mason, Pacific, and Thurston for debris removal and emergency
protective measures, including direct Federal assistance, under the
Public Assistance program.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for
hazard mitigation measures statewide.

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

FEMA said that damage surveys are continuing in other areas, and
more counties and additional forms of assistance may be designated
after the assessments are fully completed.

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

White House Press Office
1-202-456-2580

Copyright Business Wire 2007