Carper, Coons, Carney Support Markell Request for Federal Disaster Declaration for September Storm and Flooding

Today, U.S. Sens. Tom Carper and Chris Coons and Congressman John Carney (all D-Del.) urged President Obama to approve Delaware’s request for a Presidential Disaster Declaration due to the effects of the severe storm and flooding that impacted the state on Sept. 29 and 30, 2016. The request, made by Governor Jack Markell, noted the two days of exponential rainfall and tidal flooding that occurred along the Delaware Coast and lower Delaware Bay.  According to Governor Markell’s letter, total expenditures from the storm are expected to be more than $2.24 million. If approved, the declaration will make Public Assistance Funds from the Federal Disaster Relief Fund available to the state to assist in the response and recovery effort.

“Our Sussex County communities that were hardest hit by the storm are in critical need of funding through the Federal Disaster Relief Fund to help families and businesses can get back on their feet. This emergency funding will also help ensure Delaware is prepared for similar disasters in the future,” said Sen. Carper. “I thank Governor Markell for his leadership, and I urge President Obama to approve this Disaster Declaration as soon as possible.”

“The impact of significant rainfall packed a punch in September and many Delawareans struggled from the effects of flooding in Sussex County,” said Sen. Coons. “Businesses, homeowners and our infrastructure all continue to feel the ramifications of the storm. I support Governor Markell in his request of a Major Disaster Declaration and I strongly urge President Obama to approve the disaster declaration in an effort to restore Delaware coastal communities and our infrastructure to pre-storm conditions.”

“Folks in Delaware were hit hard by the storm this September. And many of our businesses and communities are still reeling from the damages,” said Congressman Carney. “A Presidential Disaster Declaration will provide the necessary funding to repair our public infrastructure and property. I strongly support Governor Markell’s efforts to secure this declaration for our state. I will continue to work with him and the rest of our delegation to ensure Delaware receives the support we need to rebuild.”

Portions of Delaware experienced 8.94 to 12.0 inches of historic rainfall over the two-day period.  The Federal Disaster Relief Fund is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Public Assistant Funds are meant to help communities quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies.

Governor Markell’s request can be found here.