Approval of Request Will Bolster On-Going Preparations for Hurricane Sandy, Free Up Additional Resources
Washington DC- Today, U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and Pat Toomey (R-PA) sent a letter to the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) administrator, Craig Fugate, urging him to approve a pre-landfall disaster request made by Governor Tom Corbett.
A pre-landfall disaster declaration will boost the state’s ongoing preparations for Sandy by allowing the federal government to provide direct aid and technical assistance.
The Senators wrote, “The Commonwealth, along with county and local governments across Pennsylvania, has been diligently preparing for Sandy. The requested pre-landfall declaration will bolster these ongoing efforts. It will also ensure that resources are available and in place so that communities can be as prepared as possible to deal with the anticipated impacts.”
A pre-landfall declaration will allow for direct federal assistance to protect property, public health and take other necessary safety steps. The direct aid and technical assistance available to the state under a pre-landfall disaster request could prove critical in helping the state manage any damage that may come from Sandy.
The full text of Casey and Toomey’s letter to FEMA can be seen below:
October 28, 2012
Mr. William Craig Fugate
Administrator
Federal Emergency Management Agency
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Dear Mr. Fugate:
We write in strong support of a request made today by Governor Tom Corbett and the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency seeking approval of a federal “pre-landfall” disaster declaration. As you know, Hurricane Sandy is expected to have a major impact on the Commonwealth during the course of this week. Consistent with all applicable laws, rules and regulations, we seek expedited review and approval of the Commonwealth’s request.
The Commonwealth, along with county and local governments across Pennsylvania, has been diligently preparing for Sandy. The requested pre-landfall declaration will bolster these ongoing efforts. It will also ensure that resources are available and in place so that communities can be as prepared as possible to deal with the anticipated impacts.
Approval of this request is necessary to help the Commonwealth fully prepare for the oncoming onslaught of precipitation and wind as well as the potential for flooding and other associated risks.
Sincerely,
Robert P. Casey, Jr. Pat Toomey
United States Senator United States Senator
