Letter to President George W. Bush, Re: Expedite Federal Assistance To Starr And Wichita Counties

Letter

Letter to President George W. Bush, Re: Expedite Federal Assistance To Starr And Wichita Counties

Sens. Hutchison, Cornyn Urge President To Expedite Federal Assistance To Starr And Wichita Counties
Ask President Bush to declare a major disaster for both counties due to recent flooding

U.S. Sens. Kay Bailey Hutchison and John Cornyn today sent a letter to President Bush urging him to expedite Governor Rick Perry's request for a major disaster declaration for Starr and Wichita Counties. Residents in both counties have been impacted by heavy rains over the last 48 hours, causing evacuations for many families.

--The text of Sens. Hutchison and Cornyn's letter is below--

August 22, 2008

The Honorable George W. Bush
President of the United States
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, DC 20510

Dear Mr. President:

We urge you to give swift consideration to the request made by Governor Rick Perry for a major disaster declaration for Starr and Wichita Counties.

Heavy, sustained rains have impacted our state over the last 48 hours, causing hundreds of Texans to be evacuated from their homes. In Wichita County, floodwaters have already damaged 200 homes, while the rapidly rising Wichita River threatens to flood hundreds of additional homes in the area. Meanwhile, in South Texas, the residents of Starr County are still recovering from the impacts of Hurricane Dolly less than a month ago, and are now struggling with this additional flooding. In both counties, federal assistance is needed to help Texas families overcome these disasters and recover from the damage.

We appreciate your efforts to expedite consideration of this request, and please do not hesitate to contact us if we can be of additional assistance.

Sincerely,

KAY BAILEY HUTCHISON, United States Senator
JOHN CORNYN, United States Senator

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