Statement by the White House Press Secretary

WASHINGTON, June 30 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The President today made
additional disaster assistance available to the State of Missouri impacted by
severe storms and flooding beginning on June 1, 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 May 27,
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 Missouri, 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 Iowa.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: FEMA (202) 646-4600.
SOURCE White House Press Office

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