SHAHEEN CALLS ON WHITE HOUSE TO ISSUE DISASTER DECLARATION FOR CHESHIRE COUNTY, FOLLOWING DESTRUCTIVE FLOODING

(Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) sent a letter to the White House today in support of New Hampshire Governor John Lynch’s request for a Disaster Declaration for the State of New Hampshire in the wake of destructive flooding after a severe storm that began on May 29 and continued through May 31, 2012.  The Governor’s request covers Cheshire County in New Hampshire.

The letter is below:

June 8, 2012

President Barack Obama

The White House

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

Washington, DC 20500

Dear Mr. President:

I am writing in support of New Hampshire Governor John Lynch’s request for a Disaster Declaration for the State of New Hampshire in the wake of destructive flooding after a severe storm that began on May 29 and continued through May 31, 2012.  The Governor’s request covers Cheshire County in New Hampshire.

Heavy rains in southwestern New Hampshire of six to nine inches caused flooding that washed out roads and did considerable damage to homes and infrastructure in Cheshire County.  It is estimated that damages from the disaster will exceed $3 million.  Thanks to the swift actions of Governor Lynch and various New Hampshire state agencies, significant progress has already been made in responding to this crisis.  However, federal assistance is required to ensure that debris removal proceeds quickly to protect property and public health.

I urge you to grant a Disaster Declaration for New Hampshire as soon as possible in order to ensure that our state’s businesses, towns and citizens have access to the resources and assistance they need to respond effectively to this emergency.  Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Jeanne Shaheen

United States Senator