Graves Supports Request for Disaster Declaration
Letter
Graves Supports Request for Disaster Declaration
Governor Has Asked For Federal Assistance
U.S. Congressman Sam Graves has sent a letter to the President, asking him to give due consideration to Missouri Governor Matt Blunt's request for federal disaster assistance for the state of Missouri which has been hit hard by recent storms, tornadoes and flooding.
"Many Missourians have had their lives turned upside down," said Graves."Now is the time for federal assistance to help them put their lives back on track."
Massive storms generating high winds, hail, and tornadoes hit Missouri on June 1st. Missouri continues to suffer from the after effects of the storms with record rainfall and flooding across the entire state.
"I have seen first hand the damage from these storms," said Graves. "It is imperative that the disaster declaration is approved and expedited, to help those who lost everything get back on their feet."
Governor Blunt has requested Direct Federal Assistance, Individual Assistance, Public Assistance, Hazard Mitigation, and Small Business Administration disaster loans for the entire state of Missouri.
The text of the letter follows:
The President
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500
Dear Mr. President:
I am writing on behalf of the State of Missouri to respectfully ask that you approve Governor Matt Blunt's request for a disaster declaration for the entire State of Missouri for the June 1st, 2008 widespread storms that tore through the state. These massive storms generated high winds, hail, and tornadoes, and continue to produce record rainfall and flooding across the entire state. I ask that you make Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assistance readily available to the thousands of Missourians affected by this ongoing devastation.
I ask that you also make eligible for Direct Federal Assistance, Individual Assistance, Public Assistance, Hazard Mitigation, and Small Business Administration disaster loans for the entire state of Missouri and any additional assistance as requested by Governor Blunt.
It is my belief that due to the severity and scope of the storm system on June 1st, all available state and local resources have been fully committed and exhausted towards recovery efforts. In fact, Governor Blunt has declared a State of Emergency for the entire state and Missouri is still unable to adequately respond to this disaster. I truly believe FEMA assistance is needed to help this great state recover from this unfortunate and damaging incident.
I remain confident that Missouri, with the help of FEMA, will quickly recover. I ask that you expedite the Governor's request for federal relief and make available all federal programs to assist Missouri with its recovery efforts.
Sincerely,
Sam Graves
Member of Congress
Source