Washington, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Kevin Brady (R-The Woodlands) is pleased to support Texas Governor Rick Perry's request that President George W. Bush declare 10 Southeast Texas counties major disaster areas as a result of severe storms and flooding that began October 15.  The counties included are Brazoria, Hardin, Jasper, Jefferson, Liberty, Newton, Orange, Polk, San Jacinto and Tyler. 

 

Congressman Brady has issued his support in the form of a letter delivered to FEMA Director R. David Paulison. The full text of the letter is included below:

 

R. David Paulison

Director

Federal Emergency Management Agency

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

500 C Street, SW

Washington, DC 20472

 

Dear Director Paulison:

 

I am writing in support of Texas Governor Rick Perry's October 31, 2006, request for federal disaster assistance in response to recent flooding that has occurred across ten counties in Southeast Texas.   On October 23, Governor Perry issued a State disaster proclamation for nine counties, Hardin, Jasper, Jefferson, Liberty, Newton, Orange, Polk, San Jacinto and Tyler, which were impacted by heavy rainfalls that began on October 15.  Governor Perry added Brazoria to this list today.   Due to the severity of the damage, however, and potential for additional rainfall, federal support is duly needed.

 

These recent storms flooded communities still reeling from the wrath of Hurricane Rita which devastated the region shortly over a year ago.  Due to the 10" to 30" of new precipitation during the last two weeks of October alone, hundreds of more homes have now been damaged or destroyed, and several roads and bridges have been washed out.  Also, in many areas the water has been slow to recede; water on some roads and bridges remains up to three feet above flood stage - over two weeks after the rains first fell.   Families and local officials, still stretched too thin from Hurricane Rita, need more help than the State is able to provide in order repair their homes and communities.

 

The federal disaster declaration would go a long way to helping these communities get back on their feet, restore their infrastructure, and get their local economy running again.  Preliminary estimates are escalating rapidly from emergency management personnel in the area, and most people's homes are still inaccessible for assessment due to the ongoing flooding.

 

Again, I support the Governor's request and hope that the President will agree.