Letter to President George W. Bush

Letter

Letter to President George W. Bush

Cornyn: Debris Removal Aid Critical for Southeast and East Texas Communities

Commends President's Decision to Extend Reimbursement Period from 72

Following his visit to Houston and Galveston today with President Bush, U.S. Sen. John Cornyn commended the President's decision to extend the duration of the 100 percent federal cost share for debris removal from the original 72 hours to a 14-day period retroactive to the date of the major disaster declaration. Sens. Cornyn and Hutchison, along with eight members of Congress, had asked for this extension in a letter sent yesterday to the President.

"Communities in South Texas and East Texas are struggling right now and the federal government needs to be doing everything in its power to help them. Debris removal is a critical first step in the recovery and rebuilding process, and this important extension will give communities the breathing room to move forward. I appreciate the President's quick action on our request, and I will continue to work closely with our local, state and federal officials to ensure Texans impacted by Hurricane Ike are receiving the necessary assistance to recover," Sen. Cornyn said.

Background

Today, President Bush amended his previous declaration, and has authorized the use of federal funds for assistance for debris removal and emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance, under the Public Assistance program, at 100 percent of the total eligible costs for a 14-day period retroactive to the date of the major disaster declaration.

For additional information, please click here: http://www.fema.gov/news/event.fema?id=10570

Text of the letter to President Bush:

September 15, 2008

Dear President Bush,

We appreciate the efforts currently underway by the Federal Government to assist Texas residents impacted by Hurricane Ike. We have all witnessed the courage of our first responders and remain grateful that so many lives have been spared. Although we are still learning the exact extent of damage, early assessments paint a very dire picture. Over 2.2 million residents are currently without power, thousands of residents have been displaced, and many fear returning to a completely destroyed home in the coming weeks.

We are 48 hours out from landfall of Hurricane Ike, and we are just now entering some of the most heavily impacted areas of Texas including the Bolivar Peninsula. Still in a search and rescue mode, Texas remains days if not weeks away from commencing widespread debris removal operations. Furthermore, until debris can be cleared, local government cannot be fully operational.

As a result of the devastation of Hurricane Ike, State, Local and Federal Officials have requested that displaced residents not return to their homes. Many communities remain underwater or are inaccessible due to the significant debris left in the wake of the storm.

On the day Hurricane Ike came ashore, you granted a Major Disaster Declaration for the State of Texas including 100 percent reimbursement for debris removal and emergency protective measures. Your declaration provides this vital reimbursement for 72 hours.

Due to the severity of the destruction to the Texas Gulf Coast, and the inevitable strain damage will put on our communities; we are urging you to extend the duration of 100 percent cost share reimbursement under FEMA Public Assistance Categories A and B. The extension of this critical support will ensure the State of Texas and impacted residents are able to recover as quickly as possible. We ask for your consideration of this request in light of these circumstances.

Thank you for your attention to this important request. The Texas delegation looks forward to working with your Administration as Texas begins the process of rebuilding.

Sincerely,

//S//

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