Moran Asks President for Disaster Assistance for Flooded Counties in Southeast Kansas

Press Release

Moran Asks President for Disaster Assistance for Flooded Counties in Southeast Kansas

Congressman Jerry Moran today asked President Bush to immediately declare a federal disaster area for 17 flooded counties in southeast Kansas, including Greenwood County in Moran's First Congressional District. The area is experiencing extensive flooding following the rain that began on Friday, June 29. A Presidential declaration will provide federal assistance for disaster relief and emergency assistance.

"Local volunteers and state officials are working diligently to provide emergency assistance to those in need," Moran said in the letter. "However, state and local resources are strained. Federal assistance is urgently needed for the victims of this storm."

Since the end of December, Kansans have experienced a severe winter storm, late spring freeze, tornadoes and flooding. If approved, 62 of Moran's 69 counties will have been declared a federal disaster area in the last eight months.

Moran is visiting the affected area today with Governor Kathleen Sebelius and other members of the Kansas delegation.

The following is the text of the letter dated Monday, July 2, 2007:

The Honorable George W. Bush
President of the United States
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Washington, D.C. 20500

Dear Mr. President:

Beginning June 29, 2007, torrential rains followed by extensive flooding hit southeast Kansas. Officials with the Kansas Division of Emergency Management indicate that some areas have received as much as 20 inches of precipitation within the last 72 hours. This crisis has resulted in evacuations of several communities, extensive property damage, compromised water supplies and loss of electricity.

Governor Kathleen Sebelius is submitting a request to you for disaster relief and emergency assistance. I urge you to support and approve this request.

Local volunteers and state officials are working diligently to provide emergency assistance to those in need. However, state and local resources are strained. Federal assistance is urgently needed for the victims of this storm.

Mr. President, thank you for your timely consideration of this urgent matter. Please feel free to call on me if I can be of assistance.

Very truly yours,
Jerry Moran

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