As Hurricane Matthew bears down in Florida, President Obama has signed an emergency declaration in the state, according to a news release from his press secretary.
The announcement means that the Obama administration has approved a declaration request from Florida Gov. Rick Scott.
Signing the declaration gives the Federal Emergency Management Agency of the Department of Homeland Security authorization to assist and coordinate all disaster relief efforts in the state because of the storm.
The authorization allows FEMA to coordinate efforts in Baker, Brevard, Broward, Citrus, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Glades, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Indian River, Lake, Marion, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Nassau, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Polk, Putnam, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie and Volusia counties in Florida.
"Specifically, FEMA is authorized to identify, mobilize and provide, at its discretion, equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the emergency," the release said. "Emergency protective measures, limited to direct federal assistance, will be provided at 75 percent federal funding."
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