Governor Bentley Requests Federal Assistance for Two Alabama Counties

MONTGOMERY— Governor Robert Bentley sent a letter to President Barack Obama today, April 19, 2011, requesting that he issue a federal major disaster declaration for Marengo and Sumter counties impacted by the severe weather that struck the state on Friday, April 15, 2011. The request was made through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Region IV Administrator.

 

There was a tremendous amount of damage to property, numerous injuries and fatalities, and a substantial number of community functions affected in both Sumter and Marengo counties.

 

In the letter, Governor Bentley requested federal Individual Assistance for the citizens of Marengo and Sumter counties.  The federal Individual Assistance program includes the Individuals and Households Program, Disaster Unemployment Assistance, Crisis Counseling, Disaster Food Stamp Program, Disaster Legal Services, and Small Business Administration disaster loans. If approved, all citizens in the county will be available to apply for assistance.

 

“The severe weather hit Alabama hard, causing severe in damage across the state,” said Governor Bentley. “After a review by federal, state and local emergency responders estimated the extent of the damage, I’ve asked President Obama for federal assistance that will help our citizens to recover and rebuild.” 

 

Governor Bentley signed a State of Emergency declaration on April 15, 2011 as the first line of storms began to enter the state.

 

In addition to Sumter and Marengo counties, other impacted counties may be added to the federal assistance request.  Damage assessments of the other impacted counties are still ongoing.