Letter to Barack Obama, President of the United States - Emergency Declaration for Snow Storm

Letter

The Connecticut Congressional delegation today released a statement in support of Governor Dannel P. Malloy's request to President Barack Obama for a federal emergency declaration in the wake of this weekend's snow storm. Members of the delegation have been in touch with the White House today:

"This weekend's snow storm has caused serious damage and left thousands across the state without heat and power. We are committed to working hard to support Governor Malloy's request for the federal assistance necessary so that Connecticut residents can travel safely and get electricity restored to homes and businesses."

The full text of the letter follows:

October 31, 2011

The Honorable Barack Obama
The President of the United States
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, DC 20500

Dear President Obama:

We are writing today to strongly support Connecticut's request for an emergency declaration. The state has suffered enormous damages from the snow storm which tore through Connecticut beginning on October 29, 2011.

Weather reports indicate that up to twenty inches of snow fell in parts of the state causing trees to fall and blocking roads and access to towns. In fact, the Connecticut Department of Transportation estimates that damage caused by downed trees affecting roads is five times greater than the damage caused by Tropical Storm Irene. Additionally, at the time of Governor Malloy's request, over 740,000 households -- a devastating 60% of the State's households -- were without power due to the heavy snow. The power companies project that complete restoration will take a week or more. At the time of the request, there were 27 open shelters, a number which the Governor expected to grow.

In response to the storm, Governor Malloy declared a State of Emergency. The Connecticut National Guard, Community Emergency Response Teams, the Civil Air Patrol, a Medical Reserve Corps Team, and Connecticut's Urban Search and Rescue team have been activated to fulfill missions from sheltering to preparing warming stations. In addition, thirty-seven municipalities have opened their Emergency Operations Centers.

Tropical Storm Irene devastated Connecticut only two months ago and the state has yet to recover from that storm. Additionally, Connecticut has already been hard hit by the economic downturn. This storm has only further compounded the difficult situation that the State and its cities and towns face. We therefore strongly support the Governor's request for federal assistance. We appreciate your quick consideration of this request on behalf of the people of Connecticut.

Sincerely,

Joseph I. Lieberman, United States Senator

Richard Blumenthal, United States Senator

John B. Larson, Member of Congress

Rosa DeLauro, Member of Congress

Christopher S. Murphy, Member of Congress

Joe Courtney, Member of Congress

Jim Himes, Member of Congress

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