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WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama says he plans to name Florida's state emergency director to lead the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Craig Fugate was named by Obama in a statement issued by the White House Wednesday.

Fugate has been director of Florida's Division of Emergency Management since 2001.

Obama says Craig Fugate will travel with Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano to the Gulf Coast on Thursday to meet with local officials still struggling to recover from 2005 hurricanes.

Fugate previously served as Florida's assistant director for emergency management for nearly five years. Fugate has been praised for his efforts steering Florida through numerous hurricanes in the past decade.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — President Barack Obama plans to name Florida's state emergency director Craig Fugate to lead the Federal Emergency Management Agency, an official familiar with the appointment said Wednesday.

Fugate has served as director of Florida's Division of Emergency Management since 2001, when he was tapped by former Gov. Jeb Bush. He was retained by current Gov. Charlie Crist. Both governors are Republicans.

Fugate previously served as the agency's assistant director for nearly five years. Fugate has been praised for his efforts steering Florida through numerous hurricanes in the past decade.

An official close to the announcement said the appointment would be made public later Wednesday. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the nomination has not been made public.

Fugate declined to discuss the appointment earlier Wednesday as he headed to a meeting with Crist.