President-elect Barack Obama's January 20 inauguration is undoubtedly a unique one for reasons aplenty - more so with President Bush announcing an emergency for the District of Columbia!

The emergency has been declared on the grounds that millions of people are expected to descend on the city to witness Obama's historic inauguration - the declaration has nothing to do with a dangerous event having been identified or expected to occur.

The Associated Press reports that the emergency declaration was requested by District of Columbia Mayor Adrian M. Fenty, out of concerns that the city did not have sufficient resources to protect the large crowds expected on Inauguration weekend.

The announcement of emergency by President Bush has paved the way for additional Federal funds for D. C., in order to allow it deal with the incomparable challenges that will come with the 'invasion' of the Washington streets by a sea of spectators - a situation which calls for tight security and other necessary measures.

It is being estimated that the inauguration-related costs for the district would surpass the $15 million already allocated by the federal government for emergency planning and security.

According to the White House spokeswoman, Dana Perino, during January 17-21, the District will be "eligible for federal funds for emergency protective measures that are undertaken to save lives and protect public health and safety."