Bush Declares Emergency for Inauguration

President Bush declared that next week’s inauguration of President-elect Obama is an emergency, making the event eligible for federal aid.

The move provides more financial support to the inaugural’s host, the District of Columbia. The crowd for the Jan. 20 ceremony is expected to number in the millions and will test the region’s transportation systems.

The federal government has already set aside $15 million for the inauguration, but it could spend more if the event exceeds that cost. Aid will be given only for public health and safety measures from Saturday through Jan. 21, the day after Obama is sworn in.

See the White House’s release announcing the emergency declaration below.

The President today declared an emergency exists in the District of Columbia and ordered Federal aid to supplement the District