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Jun 27, 2006- Kaptur Urges Federal Agencies to Speed up Flood Relief

June 27, 2006

Kaptur offered the continuing assistance of her office in assuring thatinformation is provided across all agencies expeditiously and completely tostreamline the application procedures for those experiencing damage. Inaddition, she requested that FEMA work to convene a meeting in the districtincluding FEMA, SBA, Department of Agriculture, EPA, and the Army Corps ofEngineers to explain all grant and loan programs for which individuals,farmers, and businesses as well as communities qualify.

In related action, Congresswoman Kaptur has passed legislation over severalCongresses that is now funding an ongoing major watershed study in northwest Ohio, eastern Indiana,and lower Michigan areas. The lead in that effort is the Natural Resourceand Conservation Service, Mr. Steve Davis headquartered in Findlay, Ohio.This project addresses the increasing amounts of storm water runoff thathave afflicted Toledo for many yearsand will propose new methods to divert and hold runoff across the region.

Below is a copy of the letter:

06/27/2006

Mr. R. David Paulison
Director
Federal Emergency Management Agency
500 C Street, SW
Washington,DC 20472

Dear Director Paulison:

I am writing to request that FEMA and the Department of Homeland Securitymake available to local officials in Ohioits full range of federal programs and grants, across all agencies, to assistvictims of the flash flooding that caused significant damage to the city of Toledo as well as other areas in Lucas and Erie Counties.

As you are no doubt aware, Governor Bob Taft has issued an emergencydeclaration for LucasCountyand further determined that Erie Countybe eligible for disaster assistance. Other parts of Northern Ohio, including Cuyahoga, Stark andHuron counties received similar designations. It is becoming clear thatmunicipalities and local relief agencies will not be able to provide reliefwithout Federal assistance.

Over the course of two days, dangerous storms brought several inches ofrain, high winds, tornados and flash flooding in rapid succession. Manystructures throughout the area suffered partial or complete destruction. Refusecrews have already removed more than 115 tons of debris from affected areas.Local officials continue to assess the damage, and fear that express thelikelihood that the extent of the damage will grow.

Clearly, coordination with local officials and agencies is needed to delivertimely and efficient relief to those affected by the storms. I stand ready towork with you or your designee and offer any assistance to help bring quick andmuch needed relief to my community. Please do not hesitate to contact me or mystaff at (202) 225-4146.

Sincerely,
MARCY KAPTUR
U.S. Representative