Casey, Toomey Urge Federal Disaster Action

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United States Senate

Sens. Casey, Toomey Urge FEMA
To Approve PA’s Pre-Landfall Disaster Request

Approval of Request Will Bolster On-Going Preparations for Hurricane Sandy, Free Up Additional Resources

Washington DC- Today, U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and Pat Toomey (R-PA) sent a letter to the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) administrator, Craig Fugate, urging him to approve a pre-landfall disaster request made by Governor Tom Corbett.

A pre-landfall disaster declaration will boost the state’s ongoing preparations for Sandy by allowing the federal government to provide direct aid and technical
assistance.

The Senators wrote, "The Commonwealth, along with county and local governments
across Pennsylvania, has been diligently preparing for Sandy. The requested
pre-landfall declaration will bolster these ongoing efforts. It will also ensure that resources are available and in place so that communities can be as prepared as possible to deal with the anticipated impacts."

A pre-landfall declaration will allow for direct federal assistance to protect
property, public health and take other necessary safety steps. The direct aid and technical assistance available to the state under a pre-landfall disaster request could prove critical in helping the state manage any damage that may come from Sandy.

The full text of Casey and Toomey’s letter to FEMA can be seen below:

October 28, 2012

Mr. William Craig Fugate

Administrator

Federal Emergency Management Agency

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

500 C Street, SW

Washington, D.C. 20472

Dear Mr. Fugate:

We write in strong support of a request made today by Governor Tom Corbett and the
Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency seeking approval of a federal
"pre-landfall" disaster declaration. As you know, Hurricane Sandy is expected to
have a major impact on the Commonwealth during the course of this week. Consistent
with all applicable laws, rules and regulations, we seek expedited review and
approval of the Commonwealth’s request.

The Commonwealth, along with county and local governments across Pennsylvania, has
been diligently preparing for Sandy. The requested pre-landfall declaration will
bolster these ongoing efforts. It will also ensure that resources are available and
in place so that communities can be as prepared as possible to deal with the
anticipated impacts.

Approval of this request is necessary to help the Commonwealth fully prepare for the
oncoming onslaught of precipitation and wind as well as the potential for flooding
and other associated risks.

Sincerely,

Robert P. Casey, Jr.
Pat Toomey

United States Senator
United States Senator