(Washington, DC) Today, Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3) called on President Bush to issue a federal disaster declaration for Louisville, which was pelted by the remnants of Hurricane Ike on September 14.  Governor Steve Beshear requested the disaster declaration four days ago.

Later this week, Congress will consider a bill to provide emergency disaster assistance to communities across the country that have been hit hardest by natural disaster.  Congressman Yarmuth called for assistance to Louisville to be included in the bill.

Yarmuth sent the following letter to the President this morning.

The Honorable George W. Bush
President of the United States
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
The White House
Washington, DC 20500

Dear Mr. President,

On behalf of the Third Congressional District of Kentucky, I request disaster assistance for those impacted by the storms that recently devastated our region.  Four days have passed since I stood with our Governor to request federal aid, and I urge you to respond without further delay.

The remnants of Hurricane Ike that struck Kentucky on September 14, swept into my hometown of Louisville with winds as fast as 75 miles per hour.  The resulting wreckage closed schools and roads, caused significant damage to homes and businesses, and causing more than 300,000 households to lose power.  Even today, thousands remain without electricity, and it could be weeks before all Louisville businesses reopen.

I am, therefore, greatly concerned for the welfare of my constituents and the Commonwealth of Kentucky.  I ask that you place the highest priority on Louisville’s recovery and expedite the process for disaster declaration so that our community’s families and businesses can rebuild as soon as possible. 

I appreciate your immediate attention to this urgent situation and will await your response.

Sincerely,

John Yarmuth
Member of Congress