Sen. Rubio Leads Florida Colleagues in Urging POTUS to Approve Major Disaster Declaration for Hurricane Sally

MIAMI, Florida, Sept. 19 -- Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Florida, issued the following news release:

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) led a bipartisan group of Florida colleagues in a letter to President Trump in support of Governor Ron DeSantis' request for a Major Disaster Declaration in response to Hurricane Sally. Joining Rubio were Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) and Representatives Matt Gaetz (R-FL), Neal Dunn (R-FL), and Al Lawson (D-FL).

"In addition to devastating winds and storm surge, Hurricane Sally brought historic and catastrophic levels of rain and flooding to much of Northwest Florida," the lawmakers wrote. "We request you promptly approve Florida's request for the distribution of necessary federal resources to the counties of Escambia, Santa Rosa, Bay, Calhoun, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Liberty, Okaloosa, Walton, and Washington."

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Dear Mr. President:

We write in support of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis' request for a Major Disaster Declaration for Hurricane Sally. Subject to the verification of information provided by the state, we request you promptly approve Florida's request for the distribution of necessary federal resources to the counties of Escambia, Santa Rosa, Bay, Calhoun, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Liberty, Okaloosa, Walton, and Washington.

Hurricane Sally made landfall in the early hours of September 16, 2020 along the eastern border of Alabama and Florida. The storm rapidly intensified prior to making landfall as Category 2 hurricane. In addition to devastating winds and storm surge, Hurricane Sally brought historic and catastrophic levels of rain and flooding to much of Northwest Florida. Hurricane Sally moved slowly through panhandle, overwhelming many of the rivers in the area. Twelve rivers are expected to reach moderate or major flood stage, which will put additional infrastructure, residences, and businesses in the area at risk as Floridians attempt to rebuild.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this important matter. We look forward to working with your administration to ensure Florida has the resources necessary to respond in the aftermath of this devastating hurricane.