WASHINGTON   –  U.S. Representative Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) yesterday asked the White House and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to expedite the State of Missouri’s request for disaster relief following severe ice storms throughout the month of February.

“This series of winter storms was unlike anything Southern Missouri has experienced in the last decade.  Widespread power outages, some lasting as long as two days, created a real hardship for our families and businesses.  Ice storms as severe as these have a significant economic impact,” Emerson said.  “I’m looking forward to the speedy consideration of the governor’s request.”

A disaster declaration would open federal emergency loan programs to affected businesses in the areas hit worst by the storms.

The text of Emerson’s letter is attached:

President George W. Bush
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington DC, 20500

Dear Mr. President:

I am writing to request your assistance concerning my constituents who were severely impacted by recent ice storms.  Fourteen counties in my congressional district had catastrophic damage as a direct result of the storm system that moved through southern Missouri between February 10 and February 14.  I am requesting that you grant Governor Matt Blunt’s request and declare these counties a federal disaster.

This request is based on preliminary assessments that totaled more than $13.8 million to public infrastructure in this region of the state. 

Thank you for your consideration of Governor Blunt’s request.  I look forward to public assistance benefitting the impacted areas so that these communities might see a speedy return to normalcy.

                                                      
Sincerely,     

 
JO ANN EMERSON
Member of Congress