The President yesterday declared an emergency exists in the Commonwealth of Virginia and ordered Federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area struck by fires and explosions on September 11, 2001. The President's action authorizes the use of all Federal resources necessary to meet urgent human needs and protect public health and safety. The assistance can range from the use of Federal personnel and equipment to provisions for medical and other emergency supplies. President Bush directed Joe M. Allbaugh, Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to coordinate the immediate Federal emergency response effort.

Director Allbaugh named Thomas Davies as the Federal Coordinating Officer for Federal recovery operations in the affected area.

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