Graham Requests FEMA Expand Assistance to Rural Counties

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEWednesday, September 28, 2016
Contact: Matt Harringer, Communications Director
matt.harringer@mail.house.gov | 202-225-5235

Graham Requests FEMA Expand Assistance to Rural Counties

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following a disaster declaration by President Barack Obama, Representative Gwen Graham is asking the Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator to extend individual assistance aid to Franklin, Taylor and Wakulla counties. As of today, Leon is the only county in the Second Congressional District eligible for individual assistance.

“I’m working to make sure all North Florida families affected by the storm receive the aid they deserve,” Rep. Graham said. “While some rural counties are still under federal review, I’m hopeful FEMA will expedite our request to expand aid to Franklin, Taylor and Wakulla.”

Earlier in the day, Rep. Graham issued the following statement in reaction to the president’s disaster declaration:

“I thank President Obama for recognizing the impact Hurricane Hermine had on North Florida. Our community rallied together to help each other through the storm and its aftermath – and the federal assistance stemming from this declaration will help us continue to recover,” Representative Graham said. “I’ve made constituent services a top priority since day one, and my office is prepared to help North Florida families and businesses cut through any red tape to access this new aid.”

Text of Representative Graham’s letter to FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate is below:

September 28, 2016

The Honorable W. Craig Fugate

Administrator

Federal Emergency Management Agency

500 C Street, SW

Washington, DC  20024

Dear Administrator Fugate:

I write today regarding the recent issuance of a major disaster declaration for the State of Florida triggering the release of federal funds to help people and communities recover from Hurricane Hermine that occurred August 31 to September 11, 2016.

In addition to the counties included in the initial September 28 declaration, Governor Rick Scott included Franklin, Taylor, and Wakulla counties for individual assistance. As you continue to make designations for all affected counties, I encourage you to expedite these requests so that people can get the assistance they need.

Floridians are still cleaning up from this disaster – people in counties that were included in the initial designation and those in counties still under federal review. It is important to all of us that all designations are made as quickly as possible. Thank you for your commitment to get this done.

                                                           

Sincerely,

Gwen Graham

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