WASHINGTON, DC-U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) today sent a letter to the director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to urge speedy approval of federal disaster assistance for residents and businesses affected by flooding in Allegheny and Westmoreland counties. Governor Ed Rendell today declared a disaster in those two counties and officially submitted a request for federal aid.
“I write to request that you promptly review and approve Governor Rendell’s request for disaster assistance so that recovery relief can get to the families and business owners as quickly as possible,” wrote Senator Casey. “More than 150 people were displaced from their homes and some local businesses were forced to interrupt operations and lay off workers as a result of the flooding. Federal support is needed to get these families, businesses, and communities back on their feet.”
The full text of Senator Casey’s letter is below.
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Mr. Craig Fugate
Director
Federal Emergency Management Agency
500 C Street SW, Room 700
Washington, DC 20472
Dear Mr. Fugate:
Earlier today, Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell declared a disaster in Allegheny and Westmoreland counties, which were recently struck by a series of devastating storms that damaged homes and businesses in the region. Governor Rendell also asked President Barack Obama to authorize federal disaster aid to help the families and businesses in those counties recover from the storms.
As the governor’s letter indicates, flash flooding, mud slides, and other conditions damaged homes and businesses in areas that have a significant number of low-income families and elderly residents. More than 150 people were displaced from their homes and some local businesses were forced to interrupt operations and lay off workers as a result of the flooding. Federal support is needed to get these families, businesses, and communities back on their feet.
I write to request that you promptly review and approve Governor Rendell’s request for disaster assistance so that recovery relief can get to the families and business owners as quickly as possible.
Thank you in advance for considering this request. I appreciate your agency’s prompt response to Pennsylvania’s concerns. Consistent with all applicable laws, rules and regulations, I also respectfully request that you keep me informed of the status of the Governor’s request. Finally, if you have any questions, comments or concerns, please feel free to contact me or my staff at (412) 803-7370.
Sincerely,
Robert P. Casey, Jr.
United States Senator
