|
|
U.S.
Senator Member: Finance, Agriculture, Energy, Ethics and Aging Committees |
||
|
|
|||
|
For Immediate
Release Saturday, May 24, 2008 |
CONTACT: Stephanie Valencia – 202-494- 8790 |
||
| Sen. Salazar Urges President to Approve Federal Disaster Assistance for Northern Colorado Communities DENVER, CO - This evening, United States Senator Ken Salazar sent the following letter to President George W. Bush after Colorado Governor Bill Ritter, Jr. sent a letter to the President requesting federal disaster assistance for the northern Colorado residences, communities and businesses impacted by this Thursday's damaging tornado. The full text of Senator Salazar's letter is included below: May 24, 2008
Dear Mr. President: I request your immediate consideration and approval of Governor Ritter’s request for a Presidential Disaster Declaration that will authorize assistance from federal agencies, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to residents of the Weld and Larimer County area devastated by last Thursday’s tornado. Weld County is Colorado’s number one producing agricultural area and also has experienced rapid population growth in recent years due to diverse economic activity. The mile-wide tornado wrought devastation over a 35-mile area, hitting the town of Windsor the hardest. Over 200 homes were destroyed or significantly damaged, leaving many people homeless. The storm also toppled power lines and cut gas and water pipes. Businesses and public buildings were also damaged. Local and state
first responder teams have done a tremendous job responding to the disaster
emergency. The people of Weld and Larimer Counties and the Windsor community
have pulled together to help those whose homes and businesses were destroyed.
However, the magnitude of the destruction exceeds the recovery abilities
of the state and local governments. Therefore, I request that you issue
a Presidential Disaster Declaration authorizing FEMA to provide assistance
to displaced residents and to assist the local and state governments
in their recovery efforts. In addition, I request your approval of Small
Business Administration disaster loans for Weld and Larimer Counties
and Hazard Mitigation assistance statewide.
###
|
|||
