October 26, 2005
R. David Paulison
Acting Director
Federal Emergency Management Agency
500 C Street, SW
Washington, DC 20472
Dear Chief Paulison:
I am writing this letter regarding the extensive flood damage that has occurred in my home state of Massachusetts and to update you on the damage I have seen first-hand in many of the communities I represent.
As you know, Governor Mitt Romney last week requested a federal disaster declaration for the entire Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) responded by issuing an emergency declaration for Bristol County. Based on a conversation I had with Governor Romney, it is my understanding that a mere half a dozen FEMA inspectors are now investigating the flood damage experienced throughout the entire state.
This past weekend, I toured the communities of Northbridge, Southbridge, Palmer, Monson, South Hadley and Springfield, Massachusetts, to inspect the severe flood damage experienced to public infrastructure and to private homes and businesses. Sewage has overflowed, homes have been destroyed, roads and bridges have been washed away, and families have been displaced. This coming weekend, I intend to tour more communities, whose stories are hauntingly similar. From what I have seen first-hand, I can contest that many communities in Hampden, Hampshire, Worcester and Norfolk counties are suffering. They deserve and are in need of greater attention from FEMA.
I urge you to give all of Massachusetts the attention it deserves. I urge you to act now to declare a major disaster for the flood-affected areas I mentioned in this letter so that they can qualify to receive public and individual assistance from FEMA. Thank you for your attention to this important matter.
Most sincerely,
RICHARD E. NEAL
Member of Congress
