Murkowski, Sullivan Applaud Senate Passage of Disaster Relief Supplemental

WASHINGTON, May 24 -- Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, issued the following news release:

U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, both R-Alaska, today applauded the Senate passage of a bipartisan supplemental disaster relief package. The $19.1 billion package passed the Senate with strong support, by an 85-8 vote.

"Following the 7.1 magnitude earthquake and other disasters across the state, we've seen the incredible resilience of Alaskans. Like so many communities across the nation, in the face of hardship they came together to help their friends, family, neighbors, and even strangers. Unfortunately, many of those communities have not had the resources or support to fully recover from those tragic events," said Senator Murkowski. "We are proud to see the Senate come to consensus on this significant piece of legislation to help Alaskans and so many others get back on their feet. For those who have been impacted by disasters--from hurricanes and floods to wildfires and earthquakes in Alaska--this is much needed relief. I'm very disappointed that the measure was not able to pass the House and hope they will reconsider the disaster supplemental as soon as possible and send to the President to be signed into law."

"Alaskans are a tough, resilient, and caring people. Within hours of the last November's earthquake, the Trump Administration was eager to do what they could to help in the aftermath," said Senator Sullivan. "In addition to the response of our local Emergency Response personnel, Alaska Department of Transportation and countless others were out inspecting and repairing infrastructure within hours - that rebuilding continues today. This bipartisan relief package will provide funds for states like Alaska that seek to further that rebuilding process in the aftermath of a major natural disaster."

Among other provisions, the disaster aid package appropriates $2.4 billion in Community Development Block Grant funds to be shared among jurisdictions that suffered disasters in 2017, 2018 and 2019. Community Development Block Grants are administered by local governments and can be used to meet a variety of unmet needs in the community.