Delaware Delegation Urges White House and FEMA to Approve Governor's Disaster Declaration

Delaware Delegation Urges White House and FEMA to Approve Governor's Disaster Declaration

Damage caused by the remnants of Jeanne is significant

WILMINGTON, DE - The Delaware Delegation today urged President Bush and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to quickly approve the disaster declaration as requested yesterday by Governor Ruth Ann Minner. Congressman Mike Castle and Senators Joe Biden and Tom Carper called for New Castle County to be confirmed as a major disaster area as a result of the remnants of Hurricane Jeanne, which greatly affected the county on Tuesday, September 28.

The remnants of Jeanne brought severe thunderstorms, heavy rains, and catastrophic flash flooding to numerous areas of New Castle County. One thunderstorm spawned an F2 tornado with winds up to 130 miles per hour, which left a path of destruction 5 miles long and 150 yards wide in its wake. The damage to homes, businesses, and the landscape was extensive.

After thorough investigations of the damage over the last few weeks, Governor Minner last week determined that this incident was of such severity and magnitude that effective response is beyond the capabilities of the State and the affected local governments and that supplementary Federal assistance is needed. In response to this request, the Delegation has written the attached letter and will continue to work to secure the federal declaration from the White House and FEMA as soon as possible, so that recently approved federal funding can be made available to the state and county.

The letter is as follows:

Dear President Bush:

The State of Delaware, under the provisions of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, submitted a request today that you declare a major disaster for the State of Delaware, as a result of Hurricane Jeanne, which greatly affected New Castle County, Delaware on Tuesday, September 28. We respectfully request your urgent attention.

The storm's impact has had a devastating effect on Delaware. Up to 8 inches of rain fell in parts of New Castle County in a 24-hour period, causing massive flooding and closing over 40 roads. In a scenario much like that experienced a year ago during Tropical Storm Henri, many people had to be evacuated from their homes, businesses and automobiles by boat. Schools had to be closed and power was knocked out to several thousand homes and businesses.

The situation became even more frightening when a tornado struck in New Castle County injuring several individuals and causing not only the destruction of property, but also the uprooting of trees and the scattering of debris throughout the area. The Delaware National Guard Headquarters was in the direct path of the tornado and C-130H cargo planes housed at the site sustained significant damage.

The cost of this storm is estimated to be over $1 million. In addition, almost 400 homes have sustained damage. Clearly, the State of Delaware needs assistance from the federal government to effectively respond to its aftermath. We are asking that you approve as quickly as possible Delaware's request for a major disaster declaration due to Hurricane Jeanne.

Thank you for your consideration. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you require additional information or assistance.

Sincerely,

Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Thomas R. Carper Michael N. Castle
United States Senator United States Senator Member of Congress