Statement by the White House Press Secretary

WASHINGTON, June 30 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The President today made
additional disaster assistance available to the State of Wisconsin impacted by
severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding beginning on June 5, 2008, and
continuing, by authorizing an increase in the level of Federal funding for
emergency protective measures, including direct Federal assistance, under the
Public Assistance program.
The President's major disaster declaration issued for the State on
June 14, 2008, initially authorized Individual Assistance, Public Assistance,
and Hazard Mitigation, and any other forms of assistance under the Stafford
Act, subject to the completion of joint Federal, State, and local Preliminary
Damage Assessments. Public Assistance, Hazard Mitigation, and Other Needs
Assistance under Section 408 were authorized at 75 percent Federal funding of
total eligible costs.
Under the President's order today, the Federal share has been increased to
90 percent of the total eligible costs for emergency protective measures,
including direct Federal assistance, under the Public Assistance program.
This adjustment is effective until the respective date at which the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service River
Forecast Center reports that the rivers in the State of Wisconsin, which have
experienced historical flooding, fall below flood stage.
The increase to 90 percent Federal share is retroactive to the date of the
President's major disaster declaration for the State of Wisconsin.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: FEMA (202) 646-4600.
SOURCE White House Press Office

White House Press Office, +1-202-456-2580