Letter To President George W. Bush

Schumer Urges President, FEMA To Issue Major Disaster Declaration To Expedite Federal Aid In Wake Of Near Record Snow Storms

U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today urged President George W. Bush and R. David Paulison, Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to issue a Major Disaster Declaration and to expedite federal aid for Oswego, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Oneida and Onondaga Counties after this week's severe snow storms. New York State today officially requested federal aid.

"Upstate New Yorkers have braved the snow with poise, determination, and even a little humor, but now the federal government must step up to help everyone dig out," Schumer said. "The requested aid will go a long way to help these communities get back on their feet and clean up snow, debris and any damage."

The Honorable George W. Bush
President of the United States
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20500

It is my understanding that today, following days of extreme snowfalls in parts of New York, Governor Spitzer requested that you issue a major disaster declaration for Oswego, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Oneida and Onondaga Counties. This declaration would authorize federal assistance for the overextended state and local governments of the region through the Federal Emergency Management Agency. I write to strongly urge you to approve the Governor's request without delay.

As you already know, severe snowstorms have been slamming areas of New York for over a week, already dumping nearly a dozen feet of snow on many areas. The snow has infringed on the public health and safety of the residents of the region. The storms have seriously disrupted the movement of medical personnel, and have stranded travelers and motorists. Whiteout conditions have made travel impossible, many government offices were closed, and school was forced out of session for nearly a week in several towns. These record storms have severely strained state and local resources - clean up and recovery costs are expected to exceed $2.4 million.

These counties, their local governments, and their residents are making every effort possible to ensure that these communities and their infrastructure remain safe and sound, but it has been determined that the cost of recovery is beyond the capacity of the state and local governments. I ask that you approve the Governor's request promptly and award federal aid to these Counties so that they can move forward with their cleanup and restoration efforts without fear of having to bear the financial burden alone.

http://schumer.senate.gov/SchumerWebsite/pressroom/record.cfm?id=269902