Letter to Barack Obama, President of the United States - Major Disaster Declaration

Letter

July 15, 2014

President Barack Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20500

Dear Mr. President:

We write in support of Governor Heineman's request for a major disaster declaration for Nebraska's Cedar, Cuming, Dakota, Dixon, Franklin, Furnas, Harlan, Kearney, Phelps, Stanton, Thurston, and Wayne counties, all of which experienced damaging severe weather between June 14, 2014 and June 21, 2014.

The Nebraska Emergency Management Agency estimates that expenses and damage from these storms total nearly $13.2 million. Tornadoes, high straight line winds, and flooding caused downed power lines and trees, road washouts, and damage to critical infrastructure. Tornados nearly wiped out an entire village and tragically took two lives. Homes and businesses were also significantly damaged, including agriculture operations, which suffered extensive losses.

Recovery from storms such as these requires a significant amount of time and resources. The state of Nebraska and non-profit organizations have partnered to meet the needs of residents and communities in the wake of the storms. There is an opportunity for the federal government to join with the state in these efforts. Nebraskans continue to show their strength as they work together to clean up, rebuild, and look toward the future. We ask that you give the Governor's request sincere and prompt consideration.

Sincerely,

Mike Johanns
Deb Fischer
United States Senators

Lee Terry
Adrian Smith
Jeff Fortenberry
Members of Congress