Letter to George W. Bush: U.S. Representative Alcee L. Hastings Affirms Tropical Storm Fay Damage Necessitates Federal Disaster Aid

Letter

August 21, 2008: U.S. Representative Alcee L. Hastings Affirms Tropical Storm Fay Damage Necessitates Federal Disaster Aid

U.S. Representative Alcee L. Hastings (D-Miramar) today affirmed that the existing and future damage caused by Tropical Storm Fay necessitates federal disaster assistance. In a letter to President Bush, he expressed support for the request made yesterday by Governor Crist for an emergency declaration for the State of Florida in response to Tropical Storm Fay. The letter also endorsed Crist's request for Public Assistance including direct Federal assistance for all counties in Florida.

"Tropical Storm Fay has wreaked oppressive destruction and devastation on the people throughout my district and the State of Florida. The storm's unprecedented flooding, storm force winds and tornadoes have already devastated homes and businesses and presented huge losses to our agricultural and tourist industries. This is too big a burden for our state to have to shoulder alone.

"As Fay has zigzagged across Florida, it has brutally hit those ill-able to afford such extensive damage. The $1.5 million in destruction caused to the city of Pahokee alone, is devastating to a community of 6,600 already struggling financially.

"Governor Crist has appropriately urged President Bush to issue an emergency declaration in response to this storm. I stand with the Governor in strong support of vital federal aid to help my constituents cope with the existing threats posed to their lives and property, and for future recovery efforts from this horrific storm. I urge President Bush to immediately issue the necessary emergency declarations."

The text of Representative Hastings' letter follows.

August 21, 2008

The Honorable George W. Bush
President
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20500

Dear Mr. President:

I write in strong support of Governor Crist's request for an emergency declaration for the State of Florida in response to Tropical Storm Fay, and specifically for his request for Public Assistance (Categories A & B) including direct Federal assistance for all counties in Florida. Federal assistance is needed at this time to help my district and other affected areas of the State address the existing needs of their residents including threats to public health and property, mitigate future damage and recover from this horrific storm.

Tropical Storm Fay has already caused historic flooding, sustained storm force winds, tornadoes and excessive rainfall across the State of Florida, impacting every county which I am privileged to serve. In Hendry and other counties, Fay has already resulted in considerable agricultural damage to sugar cane growers. Fay has also produced significant beach erosion, including along the coasts of Palm Beach, Broward, Martin and St. Lucie counties.

While Tropical Storm Fay has brought destruction and damaged the homes, businesses and government buildings of many Floridians, some of the most impoverished residents of South Florida were hit the hardest. Fay is estimated to have caused an estimated $1.5 million in damage in the town of Pahokee, mostly to the city hall and sewer systems. For a city already straining financially, this additional burden resulting for Tropical Storm Fay will likely be devastating.

Damage caused by the hurricane intense winds, heavy rains, tornadoes and possible flooding resulting from Tropical Storm Fay is apt to continue to be extensive. According to the National Weather Service, Tropical Storm Fay has dumped more rain on Florida than Hurricanes Jeanne and Frances in 2004 combined. In the next few days, Tropical Storm Fay is projected to intensify as it moves over the Atlantic Ocean and makes a third landfall in Northwest Florida.

In light of the existing damage now occurring and the damage expected to occur in the future across Florida due to Tropical Storm Fay, I urge you to immediately issue the necessary emergency declarations.

Thank you in advance for your consideration of this request. I look forward to your expeditious response.

Sincerely,

Alcee L. Hastings

Member of Congress

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