Congresswoman Harris Leads Bipartisan Effort Seeking Extension of Hurricane Relief Application Deadline

CONGRESSWOMAN HARRIS LEADS BIPARTISAN EFFORT SEEKING EXTENSION OF HURRICANE RELIEF APPLICATION DEADLINE

All 25 members of Florida's House delegation sign letter to Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge requesting extension of earlier deadlines associated with Hurricanes Charley, Frances and Ivan to November 25 Hurricane Jeanne deadline

Washington, D.C., Oct 6 - Acting upon her concern that many Floridians victimized by Hurricane Charley may not be able to meet the October 12 deadline for submitting applications for relief under the federal disaster declaration that President Bush issued in connection with that storm, U.S. Rep. Katherine Harris has drafted and submitted a letter to U.S. Department of Homeland Security Tom Ridge requesting an extension of that deadline to the later deadline associated with Hurricane Jeanne (November 25).

The letter, which all 25 members of Florida's House delegation signed at Rep. Harris' urging, also asks Secretary Ridge to move the application deadlines for the federal disaster declarations under Hurricanes Frances and Ivan (November 3 and November 15, respectively) to November 25 as well. The text of the letter follows:

"Dear Mr. Secretary:

"During the last month and one-half, the worst of circumstances have summoned the best of humanity. Responding to the unprecedented devastation of four hurricanes, the people of Florida have shown enormous courage, resilience, and fortitude. Moreover, the professionalism, compassion, and dedication of the men and women of FEMA have played a critical role in helping Floridians begin the arduous process of rebuilding their lives.

"As you know, a large number of our state's residents endured crushing blows from two or more of Hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne. Thus, they face the onerous challenge of applying for relief under multiple federal disaster declarations, which requires them to negotiate a labyrinth of procedures, qualifications, and deadlines; notwithstanding the nearly impossible task of apportioning damage between storms.

"Accordingly, as the 60-day application deadline associated with Hurricane Charley approaches, we respectfully request that you waive that deadline and apply the later deadline associated with Hurricane Jeanne to all claims, regardless of the storm from which they arose. Such action would provide the additional time that many need to navigate a process that would be complicated enough in the aftermath of one storm.

"Thank you for your consideration of this request. Once again, we express our gratitude for the diligence, energy, and selflessness with which you and your staff have approached this crisis in the life of our state."