King Calls for Disaster Declaration to Expedite Long Island's Storm Recovery
March 14, 2010
Congressman Peter King (R, Nassau, Suffolk), Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Committee, sent the attached letter to Governor Paterson urging him to immediately request a major disaster declaration from President Obama for Nassau and Suffolk Counties as a result of the storm that devastated Long Island this weekend.
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The Honorable David Paterson
Governor of the State of New York
State Capitol
Albany, New York 12224
Dear Governor Paterson:
As Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Committee, I urge you to immediately request from President Obama a major disaster declaration for Nassau and Suffolk Counties. As you are well aware, this Saturday’s storm has pummeled the area with driving rains and winds as high as 70 mph.
Immediate action will help our local officials and first responders access the resources they need. These dangerous weather conditions have led to widespread power outages, downed trees and flooding throughout the area. It is estimated that one in five residents, including many thousands of my constituents, have been without power and there is currently an estimated $30 million in damage to Suffolk County alone. This declaration will provide Long Island with additional supplies and resources to help ensure the safety of our residents.
I urge you to immediately take this action so that Long Island can access additional resources in order to swiftly recover from this devastating storm.
Sincerely,
Peter T. King
Member of Congres}