President Bush declared a state of emergency in the District of Columbia today and ordered the use of federal funds for Barack Obama’s inauguration.
“An emergency exists in the District of Columbia,” White House press secretary Dana Perino said in a statement.
In the next week, as many as 2 million people are expected to travel to the area from all over the world to see Obama become the 44th president of the United States.
Perino said federal aid is available “for emergency protective measures that are undertaken to save lives and protect public health and safety” and will be used for security and transportation needs.
Streets are expected to close; only taxis will have access to bridges, and security will be tightened.
According to the Washington Times, Mayor Adrian Fenty has estimated he will need $75 million – $60 million more than the $15 million Congress appropriated for security and associated costs.
On Jan. 7, Fenty wrote a letter to Bush asking for the declaration and the funds. The city will have access to federal aid from Jan. 17-21.
White House spokesman Scott Stanzel told the Wall Street Journal, “We are responding to Mayor Fenty’s assessment that the magnitude of the crowds … could stress the city’s capabilities and that federal assistance is necessary.”
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