WASHINGTON — Alabama’s entire congressional delegation asked President Donald Trump over the weekend to approve Gov. Kay Ivey’s major disaster declaration request following Hurricane Isaias.
The category 2 storm hit the Gulf Coast on Oct. 9, killing two Alabamians and damaging homes and businesses across the southern half of the state.
On Friday, Ivey submitted the request to the White House for a federal major disaster declaration for 23 counties in Alabama. If approved, the declaration will allow the Federal Emergency Management Agency to assist local governments and nonprofits with storm-related costs and provide help to individual households.
In a letter signed by all nine members of the state’s federal delegation, the lawmakers asked Trump to approve the declaration “without delay.” The delegation notes that Alabama’s front-line workers have helped communities in the aftermath of the storm but said more assistance is needed.
“We are deeply grateful to our first responders, law enforcement officers, linemen, emergency management officials, volunteers, and churches who have worked around the clock to support our communities,” the lawmakers wrote, led by U.S. Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala.
“Even so, the Governor and local officials have determined that the scale of this damage exceeds what state and local governments can address on their own. A swift evaluation and approval of Governor Ivey’s request for a federal major disaster declaration is essential to helping these families and communities get back on their feet.”
Separately, U.S. Rep. Shomari Figures, D-Mobile, also sent a letter to Trump on Saturday calling on the president to approve the declaration quickly.
“While the effects of Hurricane Isaias may continue to impact the state for quite some time, promptly approving this major disaster declaration request will help ensure that the people of Alabama are prepared for the recovery phase ahead,” Figures wrote.
The congressman specifically highlighted how Conecuh County residents suffered widespread power outages and Monroe County sustained significant damage to power lines and infrastructure following the hurricane.
The affected counties include Baldwin, Barbour, Butler, Choctaw, Clarke, Coffee, Conecuh, Covington, Crenshaw, Dale, Dallas, Escambia, Geneva, Henry, Houston, Lowndes, Marengo, Monroe, Perry, Pike, Sumter, Washington and Wilcox.