Office of Governor Brad Henry
State of Oklahoma
State Capitol - Oklahoma City OK 73105
405-521-2342

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- 1/14/2007

(Oklahoma City) Late Sunday night, President George W. Bush approved Oklahoma's request for a federal emergency disaster declaration related to the ongoing winter storm, according to Gov. Brad Henry. The governor officially requested federal aid Sunday morning after it became clear the state would need federal support to deliver assistance to storm victims across Oklahoma.

"We appreciate Pres. Bush's quick response to our request for help," said Gov. Henry. "The federal aid will help us deliver assistance to the tens of thousands of Oklahomans who have lost power or suffered other hardships because of the winter storm."

The emergency declaration covers direct federal assistance for federal assets necessary to effectively respond to the needs of the state and communities affected by this devastating storm. It also covers 75% reimbursement for emergency protective measures performed by local and state personnel.

More details of the declaration will come tomorrow when official federal correspondence arrives at the governor's office.

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