Is this a normal step to prepare for a Presidential Inauguration

[redirish28]

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090113-9.html

Statement on Federal Emergency Assistance for the District of Columbia



White House News



The President today declared an emergency exists in the District of Columbia and ordered Federal aid to supplement the District's response efforts in support of the 56th Presidential Inauguration.

The President's action makes Federal funding available to the District of Columbia.

Specifically, assistance is available to the District for emergency protective measures that are undertaken to save lives and protect public health and safety. Direct Federal assistance, at 100 percent Federal funding will be provided during the period of January 17-21, 2009, and reimbursement of emergency protective measures (Category B), under the Public Assistance program, at 100 percent Federal funding for work performed on January 20, 2009. FEMA will reimburse for eligible emergency protective measures performed on January 20, 2009, only if the District has expended on the Presidential Inauguration during the period of January 17-21, 2009, the $15 million appropriated to it for "Emergency Planning and Security Costs" by the Continuing Appropriations Resolution 2009, P.L. 110-329.

R. David Paulison, Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Department of Homeland Security, named Donald L. Keldsen as the Federal Coordinating Officer for Federal recovery operations in the affected area.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: FEMA [phone].

[BlooInBloo]

1. Of course not. But just as obviously, this it not a normal inauguration.

[redirish28]

4. Should we be worried about these steps?

[BlooInBloo]

6. I'd be more worried about the ABSENCE of these steps....

EDIT: Think about it: Won't this be like the biggest willing crowd in like the history of humanity?

[thunder rising]

2. There has NEVER been an inauguration as this!!

[Texasgal]

8. There has NEVER been

a black president either!

[billyoc]

3. Good catch.

[napi21]

5. No, but then none of them ever got over 2 million people attending

either. It's actually a good thing for DC. They sure don't have excess money to spend on security, and this will give them access to funds they didn't really have.

[firedupdem]

7. I'm glad about this step. n/t