Source: PRESS RELEASE, 8/30/11
 

Yesterday U.S. Congressman Walter B. Jones (NC-3) joined fellow Congressman G.K. Butterfield (NC-1) and Senators Richard Burr (R-NC) and Kay Hagan (D-NC) in sending a letter to President Barack Obama asking for his support of Governor Bev Perdue’s request for an expedited major disaster declaration.  The declaration is necessary for the North Carolina counties affected by Hurricane Irene to receive the assistance they need as soon as possible.  

The text of the letter to President Obama follows:

“Dear Mr. President:

We write in support of North Carolina Governor Beverly Perdue’s request for an expedited major disaster declaration under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. The request is in response to the damage and destruction from Hurricane Irene’s high winds, rain, flooding, and severe storm surges in North Carolina.

As you know, the governor has requested statewide Hazard Mitigation and Individual Assistance for Beaufort, Carteret, Craven, Dare, Pamlico, and Tyrrell Counties, with the possibility that assistance for other counties may need to be requested upon completion of the Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment.

Hurricane Irene’s widespread damage and property destruction affected thousands of North Carolinians and visitors in the state.  Sadly, several North Carolinians lost their lives and dozens of families were displaced from their homes. We do not yet know the extent of the damage and destruction to homes and businesses, which will cost millions of dollars to rebuild and repair.

In addition, many of the counties affected by Hurricane Irene experienced severe flooding last year during Tropical Storm Nicole, and a decade ago during Hurricane Floyd. As recovery and rebuilding begins, North Carolina needs federal assistance to recover from the storms.

We respectfully request you grant the necessary declaration expeditiously so the affected counties and regions of North Carolina can quickly recover from this devastating storm system.

Thank you for your prompt consideration of this very important request.”