 |
| New Mexico Delegation Requests Federal Disaster Declaration for NM Snowfall |
January 04, 2007 |
| |
Record-Breaking Snowfall Hurting New Mexico Ag Community
Washington, D.C. – Three members of New Mexico’s Congressional delegation today asked President George Bush to quickly approve an expected disaster declaration request for New Mexico in the wake of record-breaking snowfall.
U.S. Senator Pete Domenici, and U.S. Representatives Heather Wilson and Steve Pearce co-signed a letter to President George Bush. The text of that letter is found below. Earlier today, Domenici, Wilson, and Pearce also asked Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns to assist farmers and ranchers in rural New Mexico.
January 4, 2007
The Honorable George W. Bush
President of the United States
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear Mr. President,
In the final weeks of December, two major winter storms hit Northern and Central New Mexico. Most of the main roads have been cleared by the extraordinary effort of state, county and local road crews. However, many county roads and individuals are still snowed in and are only now being reached with emergency relief efforts.
These winter storms have also seriously affected ranchers in the state. Many ranchers have been unable to reach stranded livestock to deliver feed and clear water sources of ice. Livestock have already died due to starvation and dehydration with the potential for more significant losses in the coming days. We have sent a letter to Secretary Johanns regarding the agricultural concerns requesting expedited review of the situation and resources to address it.
It is our understanding that Governor Bill Richardson is preparing a request for disaster assistance for the state of New Mexico. We respectfully request your expeditious review of Governor Bill Richardson’s request for a disaster declaration as soon as you receive it. With timely assistance from both state and federal agencies, we remain hopeful that losses and damage from this disastrous snow can be minimized.
We are grateful for your attention to this important matter.
Sincerely,
Pete Domenici
United States Senator
Heather Wilson
Member of Congress
Steven Pearce
Member of Congress
--END-- |
|
|
|