SHAHEEN SUPPORTS STATE APPLICATION FOR DISASTER RELIEF

(Manchester, NH) – As flooding from Hurricane Irene continues to endanger roads and bridges in Northern New Hampshire, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) expressed support for residents affected by the storm and encouraged federal officials to act quickly on the state’s application for federal disaster relief.

"The flooding that has followed Hurricane Irene is proving to be the storm's most serious consequence,” Shaheen said. “Roads and bridges have been compromised, and many are still without power. I am urging federal disaster relief officials to act as quickly as possible to ensure New Hampshire get the help it needs and deserves.”

Shaheen sent a letter Tuesday to officials at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in support of Governor John Lynch’s request to the agency for a Preliminary Damage Assessment. Such an assessment is the first step in making New Hampshire governments and individuals eligible for financial assistance in cleanup and rebuilding after the storm.

“I urge you to grant the Governor’s request for FEMA to conduct a Preliminary Damage Assessment as soon as possible so that our businesses, town and citizens can access the assistance they will need to rebuild from this devastating storm,” the letter said.

Shaheen’s office has remained in close contact with federal and state officials throughout the duration of the storm and its aftermath. Residents with damage from the storm are urged to notify the state to help with damage assessment by calling 2-1-1.