Nashville - Congressman Jim Cooper (TN-05) issued the following statement on the flooding crisis in Middle Tennessee.

"I want to thank Mayor Karl Dean and his team for their extraordinary work these last few days. Their quick action and their dedication saved many lives in Middle Tennessee, and we are all grateful.

This morning, my colleagues, Lincoln Davis, Steve Cohen, Marsha Blackburn and I sent a letter to Governor Bredesen asking for his swift action in seeking federal support in the wake of this disaster. Already the Governor has provided substantial support to local governments with needed equipment and resources.

I will join the Governor and the Mayor this afternoon to view the devastated area and will work with these leaders and the Obama Administration in the coming days and weeks to generate the necessary response. If Federal Disaster Designation is granted, I will work with all Middle Tennesseans in their efforts to recover from this disaster by use of federal support. Most importantly, I want to convey my sympathy to the families who lost loved ones during this thousand year event."

The letter, organized by Cooper, is attached here .

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