Letter to Mr. William Craig Fugate, Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency

Letter

Dear Administrator Fugate:

I write to express my serious concerns about the delayed approval of Montana's request for federal assistance for individuals and business owners following this spring's devastating flooding.

On July 12th, the State of Montana requested a determination of eligibility for individual assistance, including the Individuals and Households Program, and Disaster Unemployment Assistance and Crisis Counseling, to supplement the Presidential Disaster Declaration declared on June 17th, 2011. The State determined that the floods are of such severity and magnitude that an effective response was beyond their capabilities and that federal assistance was necessary. I understand that the Federal Emergency Management Agency has not yet submitted the request to the White House with a recommendation of approval.

Thousands of Montanans continue to struggle to recover from the floods. They are waiting for opportunities to apply for federal grants and loans to help them rebuild their lives. They are waiting for help paying for temporary housing. They're waiting for help paying for repairs. They are waiting for an opportunity to apply for the Small Business Administration's full range of disaster loan programs that would be available to homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes affected in those counties designated in the disaster declaration. Workers are waiting for a chance to apply for disaster unemployment assistance.

Montana has waited long enough. Please take immediate action to see that the State of Montana's request is processed and approved without further delay.

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