Statement by Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell on Denial of Alabama's Federal Disaster Declaration Request

Statement

Today, Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell (D-AL) issued the following statement after being notified that Alabama's request for a major federal disaster declaration was denied by Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Craig Fugate on behalf of President Barack Obama. The federal disaster declaration request was made earlier this week by Governor Bentley, following deadly storms and tornadoes that ripped through the state on April 15.

"I am very disappointed in FEMA's decision to deny federal disaster assistance to Alabama and to the victims of the deadly storms that ripped through our state last week.

While I greatly appreciate the efforts of FEMA officials currently working in Alabama and assessing the extent of the damage, I had strongly hoped that the federal government would offer assistance to our state and local governments and to the storm's victims as they grapple with their losses.

This decision places additional burdens and worries upon already hurting families and ignores the enormous costs to our state and local governments that are already struggling. I commend the efforts of the state and local governments as well as faith-based and non-profit community organizations who quickly mobilized to provide assistance to victims following this tragedy.

My office will continue to work with state and local officials and non-profit organizations to ensure that we are doing all we can to get people the resources and assistance they need to rebuild their communities after these storms."

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