WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Claire McCaskill and Kit Bond today sent a letter to President Obama asking him to declare 22 counties in central and southern Missouri a federal disaster area in the wake of recent winter storms. The senators stressed that federal assistance is essential to help Missouri communities recover from the severe ice storms that left communities across the state without power for two weeks.

 

“We still have critical facilities without power, thousands of utility lines and poles down, and an untold amount of debris that must be removed,” wrote the senators. They continued, “It is our sincere hope that you promptly grant this request to help our state and its dedicated citizens.”

 

President Obama declared the aftermath of the storm to be a federal emergency at Governor Jay Nixon’s request, which helped provide the state with protective measures over the past week. However, in order to access the resources the federal government provides for recovery from natural disasters that businesses and families will need to get back on their feet, the area must be declared a federal disaster area.

 

 

February 9, 2009

 

The Honorable Barack Obama

President

The White House

Washington, D.C. 20005

 

Dear Mr. President:

 

            First, we want to thank you for quickly responding to our request of January 29^th and declaring a federal emergency for the state of Missouri.  That federal declaration provided the state with the necessary protective measures to get them through this past week.  Yet, Missouri is still struggling to recover from this severe storm that blanketed the state in ice, sleet, snow, and freezing temperatures.  As a result, Governor Jay Nixon requested that you declare a major disaster for 22 of the counties hardest hit by this storm.  We respectfully request that you make this declaration as quickly as possible.

 

The storm that hit the central and southern parts of the U.S. on January 26^th caused eight deaths in the state of Missouri and put more than 135,000 customers without power.  Though our utility crews continue to work around the clock to restore power, there are currently 20,000 customers still without power, some for almost two weeks.  We still have critical facilities without power, thousands of utility lines and poles down, and an untold amount of debris that must be removed.  Consequently, Governor Nixon has determined that this storm is of such severity and magnitude that it is beyond the capabilities of the State and local governments.

 

            It is our sincere hope that you promptly grant this request to help our state and its dedicated citizens.  Along with our fellow Missourians, we eagerly await your decision on this request for assistance.

 

                                                            Sincerely,

 

 

Claire McCaskill                                                                       Christopher S. Bond

U.S. Senator                                                                            U.S. Senator

 

 

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