Letter to The President

Letter

Senators John Kerry and Scott Brown, together with Congressmen Ed Markey, Barney Frank, William Delahunt, Jim McGovern, Niki Tsongas, John Olver, Richard Neal, John Tierney, Michael Capuano and Stephen Lynch today sent a letter to President Barack Obama urging him support Massachusetts' application for a Presidential Disaster declaration as a result of this week's devastating floods.

Ten inches of rain fell on Massachusetts in the span of three days, causing severe damage to homes, businesses and public facilities in six Massachusetts counties.

"The rain came out of nowhere and the floods punched Massachusetts right in the gut. We need to respond for the people who are hurting, whether it's elderly folks displaced from their homes or businesses that are still shut down, and that means a federal disaster declaration as soon as possible. There's no time to wait. I'm working closely with Governor Patrick and our delegation, along with other federal, state and local officials to make sure we get aid to these communities right away. I strongly urge President Obama to support the state's application for a disaster declaration so we can get immediate help to those who need it most," said Senator John Kerry.

"As Massachusetts begins the long recovery process from these devastating floods, I will work closely with members of the congressional delegation and Governor Patrick to ensure our Commonwealth receives the federal funds it needs. Countless homes and businesses were destroyed, and it is critical we get financial help from the federal government to begin re-building," said Senator Scott Brown.

"As we continue to asses the damage from this major storm, I urge President Obama to do all he can to help local residents rebuild their homes and businesses. I urge the President to act swiftly and provide a disaster declaration for Massachusetts in order to help us rebuild and recover," said Rep. Ed Markey.

"Massachusetts homeowners and business owners are working to recover from this natural disaster and federal aid is crucial," said Delahunt. "A prompt federal declaration and FEMA assistance will help people whose lives have been turned upside down in the past week."

"The recent flooding has devastated communities throughout Massachusetts," Rep. McGovern said. "I urge the Administration to act quickly in meeting the Commonwealth's needs."

"Flooding throughout the Merrimack and Nashoba Valleys has resulted in considerable damage and lost revenue for area businesses and has burdened already cash-strapped communities with unanticipated cleanup and repair efforts," said Congresswoman Niki Tsongas. "A federal disaster declaration for the Commonwealth would result in needed assistance for those affected by the floods and I urge that this request be granted as soon as possible."

"After reviewing the flooded areas, one of which was in front of my Peabody office, and speaking to people in the district, it is clear that families and businesses need significant assistance to recover from damage caused by flooding this past week," said Congressman John F. Tierney (D-MA). "I urge the President to take swift action on this declaration as it makes residents and business owners eligible for a wide range of programs that are especially needed in these tough economic times such as funding for temporary disaster housing assistance, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest loans for individuals and businesses to repair or replace damaged property, grants for serious disaster-related needs and expenses not covered by insurance or other assistance programs and disaster unemployment assistance."

The text of the letter is as follows:

The President

The White House

Washington, D.C. 20500

Dear Mr. President:

We are writing in strong support of Massachusetts' application for a Presidential Disaster declaration to assist homes and businesses that have been damaged by the devastating flooding across Massachusetts that occurred this week.

In a span of just 72 hours, a record rainfall of 10 inches hit Massachusetts, causing extreme flooding to seriously damage homes, businesses, roads, and public infrastructure, especially in Essex, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk, and Worcester counties. In many cities and towns, entire neighborhoods were flooded.

As a result, many small business owners face not only the cost of mitigating water damage to their properties but also face additional loss because their stores were forced to be closed during the storm and in many cases can not open until they are able to make necessary repairs. In an economy that has already tested the resilience of these businesses, they are in even more desperate need of disaster assistance and loans from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Small Business Administration (SBA).

Throughout the six counties most significantly impacted by flooding, there are over two thousand homes and businesses reported still to be without power. Seventeen major roadways remain closed due to flooding and significant damage. Thirteen dams are currently under close observation and damage to seven of these dams are causing flooding and evacuations. Residents have been displaced from their homes, many of whom are elderly.

Governor Patrick is providing your Administration with all the required documentation and evidence required for a disaster declaration. Therefore, we urge you to act swiftly and provide a disaster declaration for Massachusetts to help address the urgent situation in our state and mitigate the losses related to the flooding of homes and businesses in every county.

Thank you in advance for your prompt consideration of our request.

Sincerely,

Senator John Kerry
Senator Scott Brown
Congressman William Delahunt
Congresswoman Niki Tsongas
Congressman Richard Neal
Congressman Michael Capuano
Congressman Ed Markey
Congressman Stephen Lynch
Congressman Barney Frank
Congressman James McGovern
Congressman John Olver
Congressman John Tierney

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