01.19.12
Delegation Supports Gov. Parnell Disaster Declaration for Kenai Peninsula
Lawmakers Cite 'Exceptionally Challenging' Winter, Push for Action
Washington, D.C. – The Alaska delegation today sent a letter to President Obama in support of Alaska Governor Sean Parnell’s request for a federal disaster declaration for the Kenai Peninsula Borough – battered by severe wind storms in November 2011. They urged the Obama Administration to act expeditiously on the request and approve FEMA support for the region.
“This winter has been exceptionally challenging to Alaska’s emergency management community,” the delegation wrote. “From November 1 through November 19, the Kenai Peninsula Borough was struck with a series of severe wind storms that caused extensive power outages and damages to public and personal property. This event left an estimated 9,000 residents and businesses with power outages for up to 48 hours in areas, exposing them to life/safety and property damage from flying debris, high winds, no heat, and burst pipes from sub-freezing temperatures.”
Governor Parnell asked President Obama last Thursday for federal assistance under the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Public Assistance program – seeking resources to address life safety issues such as debris removal and infrastructure damage.
Attached is the delegation letter to President Obama.
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