Letter to The President

Letter

U.S. Senators Barbara A. Mikulski and Ben Cardin (both D-Md.) were joined by members of Maryland's Congressional Delegation today in sending a letter to President Barack Obama requesting that Maryland be granted a federal emergency declaration following Tropical Storm Lee. If awarded, Maryland will become eligible for federal disaster recovery dollars through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), ensuring the already strained state budget is not stretched any thinner as a result of another natural disaster. The letter was signed by Senators Mikulski and Cardin, as well as U.S. Representatives Chris Van Hollen, Steny H. Hoyer, Roscoe E. Bartlett, Elijah E. Cummings, C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger, John P. Sarbanes, Donna F. Edwards, and Andy Harris.

"The heavy rains from Hurricane Irene followed by the heavy rains from Tropical Storm Lee have caused many Maryland waterways to rise to dangerous levels," the letter reads. " . . . Given the State resources already in use as we recover from a hurricane just two weeks ago, supplementary federal assistance is necessary to save lives and protect property, public health, and safety, or to lessen or avert disaster."

In 2006, Senator Mikulski, Chairwoman of the Commerce, Justice, Science (CJS) Appropriations Subcommittee, secured $1.8 million for the Susquehanna Flood Forecast and Warning System (Susquehanna System). The Susquehanna System warns 1,700 communities in three states about devastating floods. Early warnings allow residents and businesses time to prepare before flood waters strike, and helps emergency management officials implement flood control plans to minimize damages.

As authorities work to restore electricity and assist residents, please remember to follow the instructions of local officials. If you are experiencing an emergency, please call 911.

The text of the delegation's letter of support is as follows:

September 9, 2011

The President

The White House

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

Washington, D.C. 20500

Dear Mr. President:

We are writing to express our strong support for Governor O'Malley's September 8, 2011 request for a federal emergency declaration for the State of Maryland as a result of flooding from Tropical Storm Lee beginning on September 8, 2011.

The heavy rains from Hurricane Irene followed by the heavy rains from Tropical Storm Lee have caused many Maryland waterways to rise to dangerous levels. The greatest impact is currently in the area around the Conowingo Dam, and the National Weather Service has advised our state to make preparations for record flooding near the Maryland portion of the Susquehanna River. The Dam has already opened 43 of 53 floodgates. There is also record flooding in Southern Maryland, and major road closures exist all over the state.

Governor O'Malley took appropriate action under Maryland law, directing the execution of the State Emergency Operations Plan. The Governor further declared that a Continued State of Emergency exists within the entire state beginning September 8, 2011. Given the State resources already in use as we recover from a hurricane just two weeks ago, supplementary federal assistance is necessary to save lives and protect property, public health, and safety, or to lessen or avert a disaster.

Maryland and its local jurisdictions have contributed a vast amount of resources within the past few weeks which will continue to have economic impacts around our state. An emergency declaration is necessary to help provide the resources needed by all. We appreciate your consideration of Maryland's request, and look forward to continue working with you to meet the needs of our State.

Sincerely,