Trump signs emergency declaration after Potomac River spill, sewer collapse chaos

WASHINGTON (TNND) — President Donald Trump on Saturday approved an emergency declaration for the District of Columbia in wake of the Potomac River spill, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA.

The announcement comes after a sewer line collapse that began January 19 and continues to impact the area. It also follows pleas from Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser, who requested that Trump provide federal resources to help the city fight the sewage system leak, which dumped 250 million gallons of raw sewage into the Potomac River in its early stages.

“Our number one priority is the district, and that we’re going to utilize all resources, local, federal, and regional, or otherwise, to support operations of the district and what’s best for district residents,” said DC Deputy Mayor Lindsey Appiah in a press call announcing the mayor’s action.

FEMA said Trump’s declaration allows the agency to coordinate relief efforts to help protect public health and safety, safeguard property, and reduce the threat of further damage caused by the emergency.

Under the president’s authorization, FEMA can mobilize personnel, equipment and other resources to help with response operations. The assistance includes emergency protective measures under the agency’s Public Assistance program, with the federal government covering 75% of eligible costs.

FEMA said the aid applies to the District of Columbia and areas where the district has responsibilities extending into neighboring Maryland and Virginia.

FEMA said Mark K. O’Hanlon was appointed Federal Coordinating Officer to oversee federal response efforts in the affected area. Additional assistance designations could be made later, depending on the results of further damage assessments and any additional requests.

Officials have not released detailed estimates of the damage caused by the collapse, but the federal assistance is intended to help local authorities manage ongoing response and mitigation efforts.

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EDITOR’S NOTE: The Associated Press contributed to this report.