Thursday, April 28, 2011

Chambliss, Isakson Urge President to Support Governor's Request for Emergency Declaration

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., and Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., joined the entire Georgia delegation in writing a letter to President Obama to express their strong support for Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal's request for a major disaster declaration from the President in order to assist the 16 Georgia counties affected by this week's severe weather and tornadoes.

A federal disaster declaration will make the state eligible for federal funding for emergency response measures and aid for losses. The senators have been in communication with state emergency officials following the severe weather and tornadoes.

"We support Gov. Deal's request and stand ready to assist our fellow Georgians," said Chambliss. "There are many areas that are going to need a helping hand, and it is imperative that the president approve this request. I commend our citizens and emergency personnel who responded quickly to help those in need. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Georgia who have lost loved ones as a result of this disaster."

"I join Governor Deal and the entire Georgia delegation in requesting federal assistance for the state of Georgia following the recent tornadoes because it will help Georgians affected by this disaster receive the immediate assistance they need," said Isakson. "This is a horrendous tragedy. I will be keeping those who lost family and friends in my thoughts and prayers, and will do all I can to help restore Georgia's communities that were affected."

The text of the letter is below:

Dear Mr. President:

We are writing in strong support of the State of Georgia's request for federal assistance through the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act following a severe storm and tornado outbreak that impacted Georgia on April 27, and April 28, 2011. As you know, these storms resulted in loss of life, substantial injuries, and widespread destruction.

At this time, there have been 13 confirmed fatalities as search and rescue efforts continue, numerous injuries, and major property damage in the counties of Bartow, Coweta, Greene, Lamar, Meriwether, Monroe, Morgan, Pickens, Polk, Rabun, Spalding, Troup, Walker, Dade, Catoosa and Floyd.

Specifically the State of Georgia's request is for federal assistance for the Public Assistance and the Individual and Households Program. The State of Georgia is also requesting direct federal assistance for work and services to save lives and protect property. The requested federal assistance is needed to support State and local governments' efforts to provide debris removal, search and rescue missions, and emergency sheltering.

We urge your Administration to act swiftly in approving the State of Georgia's request and stand ready to work with you in any way possible.