Alabama Congressional Delegations Asks President To Declare Disaster Area In Alabama
U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-AL) last night joined with all other members of the Alabama Congressional delegation in sending a letter to President Barack Obama. In their letter, the Members of Congress ask the President to expeditiously grant the request for a Federal disaster declaration in the wake of tornados and severe storms throughout much of Alabama. President Obama signed that declaration last night.
A text of the letter follows:
Dear Mr. President,
Please accept this letter in support of Alabama Governor Robert Bentley's request for disaster relief for Alabama. On Wednesday April 27, 2011, the State of Alabama was struck by a series of tornadoes so devastating that they are already being termed as among the worst in our state's history. As of 8:15 Eastern Time, over 109 tornado reports had been issued in the southeast with many of those occurring in Alabama. The damage assessment is still ongoing, but on-the-ground reports have confirmed loss of life and very severe damage in cities and communities both large and small.
Alabama Governor Bentley has declared a state of emergency under state law and state and local officials are coordinating the response and cleanup. The resources of several state departments will be required to participate in the response efforts including the Alabama Emergency Management Agency, Department of Transportation, Department of Public Safety and others. Due to the severity of the storms and the widespread damage, Governor Bentley has confirmed that supplemental federal assistance is necessary to save lives, protect public health and safety and lessen the threat of a disaster.
Thus, under the provisions of Section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. 5121-5208 (Stafford Act), and implemented by 44 CFR 206.36, we respectfully request that you declare an expedited major disaster for the State of Alabama as a result of tornadoes, high winds, flooding, and severe storms that impacted areas of the State on April 27, 2011.
Thank you for your consideration of this request as Alabama recovers from this tragedy.
Sincerely,
Richard Shelby, U.S. Senate
Jeff Sessions, U.S. Senate
Spencer Bachus, U.S. House of Representatives
Robert B. Aderholt, U.S. House of Representatives
Jo Bonner, U.S. House of Representatives
Mike Rogers, U.S. House of Representatives
Mo Brooks, U.S. House of Representatives
Martha Roby, U.S. House of Representatives
Terri A. Sewell, U.S. House of Representatives