Statement of JayEtta Z. Hecker, Dir., Physical Infrastructure Issues, GAO. The terrorist attacks of 9/11 was one of the largest catastrophes this country has ever experienced. The fed. government has been providing the N.Y. City area with funds and other forms of assistance. The magnitude of the disaster in N.Y. and the size and scope of the fed. government.’s response in aiding the city has generated significant interest in the nature and progress of this fed. assistance. This 2003 testimony focuses on: (1) how much and what types of assistance the fed. government provided to the N.Y. City area following the 9/11 terrorist attacks; (2) how the fed. government’s response to this disaster differed from previous disaster response efforts; and (3) the ongoing challenges the Fed. Emergency Mngt. Agency (FEMA) faces. Figures. This is a print on demand report.