FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, September 25, 2009

Isakson, Chambliss Tour Flood Damage, Urge Administration to Expand Disaster Declaration
Praise Senate Passage of Resolution Expressing Condolences to Victims’ Families, Praise for Emergency Responders

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., and Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., today joined Vice President Joe Biden to tour areas in north Georgia and metro Atlanta damaged by severe weather and flooding earlier this week and urged the administration to expand the number of counties eligible for federal aid.

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Craig Fugate also joined the senators and the vice president in Georgia.

“I want to thank Vice President Biden, Secretary Napolitano and Administrator Fugate for recognizing the severity of this situation and the impact it continues to have on thousands of Georgians,” Isakson said. "It was very important for the administration to see firsthand the destruction that has taken place, and I hope it helps them understand the urgency of getting help to all of Georgia’s communities affected by these devastating storms and floods.”

“I’m pleased Vice President Biden, Homeland Security Secretary Napolitano and Administrator Fugate came to Georgia to see firsthand the severity of the situation on the ground,” said Chambliss. “There are several areas that need immediate assistance , and I’m confident their visit will help expand the disaster declaration.”

On Sept. 22, Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue requested a major disaster declaration from President Obama to assist the areas affected by severe weather and flooding that began Sept. 18. A federal disaster declaration would make the state eligible for federal funding for emergency response measures as well as aid for losses. 

On Sept. 24, President Obama issued a major disaster declaration for the state of Georgia, triggering the release of federal funds to help individuals recover. Specifically, the counties of Carroll, Chattooga, Cherokee, Cobb, Douglas, Paulding and Stephens have been designated for individual assistance, and all counties are eligible to apply for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. Damage assessments are ongoing, and additional designations are expected to be made after further evaluation.

Isakson and Chambliss also praised passage of a Senate resolution they introduced expressing condolences to the families of those killed during the severe weather and flooding. The resolution also expressed gratitude to all of the emergency personnel who are continuing to meet the needs of Georgia’s residents during the recovery.

“My prayers are with the families of those who lost their lives in this tragedy, and I want to thank the emergency personnel who responded so quickly,” Isakson said.

“My condolences go out to the families of those who have lost loved ones, homes and livelihood,” said Chambliss. “Additionally, I appreciate the emergency responders and citizens who responded quickly to help those in need.”

###