The state department of public welfare, or such other state department, office, agency or commission, designated by the Governor for the purpose, shall have authority to act as agent of the state to cooperate with the federal government in providing assistance for the relief of distress suffered by any person by reason of any restrictive action of the federal government, the evacuation of civilians, sabotage, civil defense measures or enemy action, whether such distress occur during or prior to the existence of a state of war.

Amended by Acts 1951, 1st Ex.Sess., No. 20, §1.