WASHINGTON, D.C. - Late yesterday, President George W. Bush declared an emergency disaster declaration for the State of Nevada, triggering the release of federal funds to help Nevada communities recover following the severe weather that came to the state on December 29, 2004 though January 2, 2005.

“I appreciate the Presidential Emergency Declaration for Nevada,” said U.S. Representative Jon Porter.  “The heavy snowfall created significant challenges for our residents, businesses, and local governments.  These Nevadans will need support to recover, and this declaration is very timely.”

“I am pleased that President Bush worked expeditiously in response to Governor Guinn's and the Nevada delegation's request to issue a Presidential Emergency Declaration for numerous counties in Nevada that were overwhelmed by major winter snow storms earlier this year,” said U.S. Representative Jim Gibbons.  “This declaration will allow for the release of federal funds to help communities across our state recover and rebuild.”

“Nevadans are grateful to President Bush for issuing this emergency disaster declaration,” said U.S. Senator John Ensign.  “As residents continue to rebuild after the snow storms that struck last month, federal funds will greatly expedite the recovery process.”  

With the emergency declaration, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reimburses state and local governments for 75 percent of the eligible costs.  Costs covered include equipment, contracts, and overtime related to emergency services that dealt with the snow over this 72-hour period, and related protective measures.

The 15 Nevada counties eligible for assistance are Carson City, Churchill, Clark, Douglas, Elko, Eureka, Humboldt, Lander, Lincoln, Lyon, Mineral, Nye, Storey, Washoe and White Pine.

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