Letter to Barack Obama, President of the United States - Regarding the Governor of Alabama's Request for an Emergency Declaration

Letter

President Barack Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue N.W.
Washington, DC 20500

Dear Mr. President:

On behalf of the State of Alabama, we are writing to support Governor Robert Bentley's request for an emergency declaration pursuant to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief Act as a result of the severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flash flooding that affected Alabama on April 28, and 29, 2014.

Governor Bentley has declared a state of emergency under Alabama law, and state and local officials are coordinating with the response and cleanup. Governor Bentley has requested debris removal and emergency protective measures (Categories A and B), including direct federal assistance under the Public Assistance program statewide. The Governor has further requested a 100 percent federal cost share for the first 72 hours.

These storms have caused widespread power losses that have negatively impacted residents, businesses, schools, and state and local government operations. Damage assessments are far from complete, but initial reports suggest significant injury to communities across the State. We therefore urge you to approve Governor Bentley's request expeditiously.

The Alabama Emergency Management Agency has been working closely and effectively with the Federal Emergency Management Agency since the beginning of this incident, and we are grateful for their combined efforts in responding to the affected communities' needs. We thank you for your prompt attention to this request. Our offices stand ready to provide you with any additional information that you require.

Sincerely,

Richard Shelby
United States Senator

Jeff Sessions
United States Senator

Spencer Bachus
United States Congressman

Robert Aderholt
United States Congressman

Mike Rogers
United States Congressman

Mo Brooks
United States Congressman

Martha Roby
United States Congressman

Terri Sewell
United States Congressman

Bradley Byrne
United States Congressman