Robertson catastrophe prediction spurs federal action

In lieu of Oral Roberts' Pat Robertson's predictions of upcoming storms, President Bush has pre-emptively declared Washington state a disaster area, freeing large sums of federal cash for rebuilding the upcoming wreckage of the soon-to-be-possibilized calamity.

White House Press Secretary Tony Snow said the president's declaration of a major disaster in the region will open up assistance for local governments and nonprofit groups, supplementing the state and local recovery efforts.

The government will share the cost of emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by severe storms, flooding, tidal surge, landslides and mudslides, Snow said in a statement.

The federal match is typically 75 percent.

Federal dollars also are available for hazard mitigation, the White House said.

Praise God--and George Bush--for foresight!










Okay, you got me, I'm kidding.