Washington, D.C. Congressman Lincoln Davis released the following statement today regarding efforts being made by both Rep. Davis and Rep. Wamp to seek federal disaster assistance for the TVA ash spill cleanup:

"This was a disaster at a man made structure like the levees in New Orleans and the bridge in Minnesota. I am disappointed that more oversight was not a part of TVA's plan, but to expect the eight million ratepayers to shoulder the cost of this burden would be devastating to many low-income families who cannot pay their electric bill today. Whether funding for the cleanup is made available through the stimulus or through another measure, families affected by this accident need to know that they have the support of their representative."