Washington, D.C. – Early Friday morning, President Barack Obama granted Pennsylvania’s request for a state of emergency declaration due to the heavy rains which have caused massive flooding across the state. U.S. Congressman Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (R-PA) yesterday joined U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-PA), Congressmen Charlie Dent (R-PA), Mike Doyle (D-PA), Tom Marino (R-PA), Joe Pitts (R-PA), Lou Barletta (R-PA), Allyson Schwartz (D-PA), Todd Platts (R-PA), Jason Altmire (D-PA), Tim Murphy (R-PA), Jim Gerlach (R-PA) and Tim Holden (D-PA) in urging President Obama to support Gov. Tom Corbett’s request for a federal disaster declaration.
Thursday evening, as the letter was sent to the White House, Thompson left Washington, D.C., and returned to the 5th Congressional District to coordinate with state and local officials as emergency planning efforts continued. Friday morning, Thompson joined in an emergency management briefing with Montoursville Mayor John Dorin, Lycoming County Commissioners, state representatives, and emergency personnel to review ongoing emergency management operations and begin coordinating recovery efforts.
“We’re monitoring the situation closely and doing all that we can to help with those impacted and the many communities of Northeast and Central Pennsylvania struggling with loss and seeking relief,” said Thompson. “We’re making every possible effort to support local communities and emergency responders as we transition into the recovery phase.”
With a federal emergency declaration for Pennsylvania, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is authorized to coordinate disaster relief and provide federal aid to supplement recovery efforts.
“My thoughts and prayers are with those suffering from these historic floods,” Thompson added. “I urge communities to remain alert and continue to heed the advice of local emergency management officials.”
The full text of the letter in support of Governor Corbett’s request for a federal disaster declaration:
September 8, 2011
President Barrack Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20500
Dear Mr. President:
Potentially catastrophic flooding is taking place along the Susquehanna River in Pennsylvania which has had a devastating effect on communities in the region. Pennsylvanian Governor Tom Corbett has formally requested the designation of a federal disaster in the area. We write to strongly urge you to expedite your review of this request and approve it without delay.
Communities along the Susquehanna River and along its tributaries are taking action to prepare for potential flooding. Federal resources are necessary to ensure that these communities are well positioned to continue this preparation and effectively implement recovery measures. We are united as a delegation in our effort to ensure that all appropriate federal disaster resources are available to these communities.
Given the severity of the damage inflicted on these communities by the floods, we respectfully ask that you move quickly to expedite the positive consideration of this request. Thank you in advance for your consideration of our views. On behalf of the communities impacted by these storms, thank you and your team for your service and efforts during this challenging time.
Sincerely,
Signed:
U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA)
U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-PA)
Congressman Charlie Dent (R-PA)
Congressman Mike Doyle (D-PA), Tom Marino (R-PA)
Congressman Joe Pitts (R-PA), Lou Barletta (R-PA)
Congressman Allyson Schwartz (D-PA)
Congressman Todd Platts (R-PA)
Congressman Jason Altmire (D-PA)
Congressman Tim Murphy (R-PA)
Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (R-PA)
Congressman Jim Gerlach (R-PA)
Congressman Tim Holden (D-PA)
