POTUS Issues Major Disaster Declaration for Alabama Counties Following Shelby-led Delegation Letter

Targeted News Service (Press Releases)

WASHINGTON, April 27 -- The office of Sen. Richard C. Shelby, R-Alabama, issued the following news release:

U.S. Senator Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) led a letter from the Alabama delegation to President Trump earlier this month stating their support for Governor Ivey's request to receive a federal disaster declaration for the following counties impacted by severe weather in the state: Cullman County, St. Clair County, Calhoun County, and Etowah County. Late Thursday evening, President Trump issued the Major Disaster Declaration for the state of Alabama.

The congressional delegation letter, signed by Senator Shelby along with U.S. Senator Doug Jones (D-Ala.), U.S. Representatives Robert Aderholt (R-Ala), Mike Rogers, (R-Ala.), Mo Brooks (R-Ala.), Martha Roby (R-Ala.), Terri Sewell (D-Ala.), Bradley Byrne (R-Ala.), and Gary Palmer (R-Ala.), encouraged the President to issue the disaster declaration that would trigger the release of federal funds to help people and communities recover from the severe storms and tornadoes that occurred March 19-20, 2018.

"This disaster declaration is critical following the significant destruction that occurred throughout the state, but specifically in these four Alabama counties," said Senator Shelby. "I am grateful that the President has decided to send federal recovery resources to assist in the rebuilding of our communities."

The full text of the letter is as follows:

Mr. President:

As members of the Alabama delegation, we write in strong support of Governor Kay Ivey's request for a federal disaster declaration for Cullman, St. Clair, Calhoun, and Etowah counties.

On March 19, 2018, severe storms and tornadoes touched down in the eastern part of Alabama and caused catastrophic damage in 27 counties across the state. In less than 24 hours, Governor Ivey declared a State of Emergency. Local emergency management agencies aided the impacted residents and, with assistance from regional FEMA officials, prepared their Preliminary Damage Assessment. State officials have estimated substantial damages across these counties.

Considering the scope and intensity of this natural disaster, we ask that you carefully review Governor Ivey's request and approve a federal disaster declaration. In doing so, you will allow thousands of Americans to begin the slow process of rebuilding their lives after this terrible incident.

Related Files

* AL Delegation Letter to POTUS_Tornado Disaster 4.13.18.pdf (https://www.shelby.senate.gov/public/?a=Files.Serve&File_id=98826E62-BBD1-4419-983D-E242D90CCD10)