Eight members of Missouri's Congressional delegation, including Seventh District Congressman Billy Long signed a letter Thursday backing Gov. Jay Nixon's request that President Obama issue an emergency disaster declaration for the state. The letter is printed below:
Dear Mr. President:
We write to you in support of Governor Jay Nixon’s request for an emergency disaster declaration for the State of Missouri as a result of unprecedented flooding along the Missouri and Mississippi river systems.
As you know, this flooding is the result of water releases from the various Missouri River reservoirs due to record snow melt and excessive rain over both major river systems beginning in early June of this year. The affected areas include Andrew, Atchison, Boone, Buchanan, Callaway, Carroll, Chariton, Clark, Clay, Cole, Cooper, Franklin, Gasconade, Holt, Howard, Jackson, Lafayette, Lewis, Moniteau, Montgomery, Osage, Platte, Ray, Saline, St. Charles, St. Louis, and Warren Counties and the independent City of St. Louis. Some communities in these areas have also been evacuated or are in the process of evacuating.
There are approximately 110 reported road closures due to flooding. The State Emergency Management Agency is coordinating the delivery of seven sandbagging machines, over one million sandbags, two-hundred tons of sand, and twenty-four pumps to assist local governments protect critical infrastructure. Governor Nixon has also declared a State of Emergency for the entire state, activated the Missouri National Guard, and continues to coordinate mitigation and response efforts with numerous state and local personnel, volunteers, and non-profit organizations.
As you review Governor Nixon’s request, please consider that Missouri is still fully engaged in recovery operations associated with the flooding and tornado damages that resulted in a federal disaster declaration. Due to multiple disasters and the scope of existing and expected damage, we truly believe federal assistance is needed to help our great state recover.
Again, we write in strong support of Governor Nixon’s request for assistanand appreciate your consideration. Please feel free to contact us directly should you have any questions or require additional information.
Sincerely,
Representative Todd Akin MO-2
Representative Sam Graves MO-6
Representative Russ Carnahan MO-3
Representative Billy Long MO-7
Representative Vicky Hartzler MO-4
Representative Jo Ann Emerson MO-8
Representative Emanuel Cleaver MO-5
Representative Blaine Luetkemeyer MO-9
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