Alabama Delegation Supports Expedited Disaster Declaration

WASHINGTON, March 5 -- Rep. Martha Roby, R-Alabama, issued the following news release:

Members of the Alabama congressional delegation who represent the areas impacted by the March 3, 2019, tornadoes today sent a letter to President Trump in support of Governor Kay Ivey's request for an expedited major disaster declaration for the state of Alabama. The letter, led by U.S. Senator Richard Shelby (R-Ala.), was also signed by Senator Doug Jones (D-Ala.), along with Representatives Mike Rogers (R-Ala.) and Martha Roby (R-Ala.).

The letter reads in part, "On March 3, 2019, severe storms and tornadoes touched down in the eastern part of Alabama and caused catastrophic damage in Lee County and the surrounding areas. ... Considering the scope and intensity of this natural disaster, we ask that you carefully review Governor Ivey's request for an expedited major disaster declaration. In doing so, you will allow thousands of Alabamians to begin the slow process of rebuilding."

"The destruction and tragic loss of life caused by Sunday's tornadoes in Lee County and the surrounding areas is devastating," said Senator Shelby. "Thousands of Alabamians are suffering and in need of our staunch support as they work to rebuild their homes and businesses. It is of the utmost urgency that President Trump support Governor Ivey's request for an expedited major disaster declaration for Alabama."

"Alabamians are certainly a resilient people, but given the severity of the damage from these tornadoes, we will still need help," said Senator Jones. "I strongly support Governor Ivey's request for an expedited major disaster declaration and urge the president to accept this request as soon as possible so that Alabamians can begin to rebuild."

"My heart breaks for all the folks across the area impacted by this deadly storm," said Representative Rogers. "After being on the ground in Lee County today to see the damage firsthand, the process to rebuild will take time. I am grateful to President Trump and the Alabama delegation efforts to expedite the major disaster declaration."

"This is a time of unspeakable heartbreak for many individuals and families in Southeast Alabama, especially those in Lee County," said Representative Roby. "As our state begins rebuilding in the aftermath of Sunday's severe weather, I urge President Trump to support Governor Ivey's request for an expedited major disaster declaration. In the meantime, my family and I will continue praying for the Alabamians impacted by this devastating event."

The full text of the letter (https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.shelby.senate.gov_public_-3Fa-3DFiles.Serve-26File-5Fid-3D1C7B63D4-2D8C15-2D4008-2DB7AE-2D3CEEBB97F4E6&d=DwMFAg&c=L93KkjKsAC98uTvC4KvQDdTDRzAeWDDRmG6S3YXllH0&r=JgbkzL4wXb4njTV29zahgs1jQnB0JX3gptW4M6yi0qw&m=8oJ8AWQ26xNYDCT70XLbK0Kxok8TEu2hYpp2E6YCfjk&s=9QkUqLNjal_EH5C6okfJkO0grmcduW6QNbV4o0AtX6w&e=) is as follows:

Mr. President:

As members of the Alabama delegation, we write in strong support of Governor Kay Ivey's request for an expedited major disaster declaration for the State of Alabama.

On March 3, 2019, severe storms and tornadoes touched down in the eastern part of Alabama and caused catastrophic damage in Lee County and the surrounding areas. To date, there are twenty-three reported fatalities with search and rescue efforts ongoing as more than thirty people are considered missing. Governor Ivey quickly declared a State of Emergency, and local emergency management agencies are working with the impacted communities, with assistance from regional Federal Emergency Management Agency officials.

Considering the scope and intensity of this natural disaster, we ask that you carefully review Governor Ivey's request for an expedited major disaster declaration. In doing so, you will allow thousands of Alabamians to begin the slow process of rebuilding.