WASHINGTON – Mississippi’s congressional delegation today sent a letter to President Obama endorsing a federal disaster designation to make federal recovery resources available to Mississippians recovering from flood and severe storm damage on March 9-14, 2016.

The letter of support for Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant’s request for federal assistance was signed by U.S. Senators Thad Cochran and Roger Wicker, and U.S. Representatives Bennie G. Thompson, Gregg Harper, Steven Palazzo, and Trent Kelly.

“We know from our ongoing recovery in Mississippi from the effects of recent hurricanes, tornadoes, and flooding that significant resources and cooperation are necessary to recover fully from natural disasters as quickly as possible,” the Mississippi lawmakers wrote. “We stand ready to face this new challenge by supporting the local communities, the state, and federal agencies as we work together to rebuild and renew areas destroyed by this major weather event.”

The issuance of a presidential disaster declaration, as requested by the state, would trigger the release of Federal Emergency Management Agency funds. Bryant’s federal disaster declaration requests resources for Bolivar, Coahoma, and Washington counties, as well as hazard mitigation assistance statewide.

The following is the text of the congressional delegation’s letter to the President:

Dear President Obama:

In the wake of devastating weather events across the Southeastern United States during the period of March 9-14, 2016, we request your full consideration of Governor Phil Bryant's request for a federal disaster declaration for Bolivar, Coahoma, and Washington counties in Mississippi as well as hazard mitigation statewide.

We appreciate the efforts of FEMA to deploy rapidly to Mississippi to assist state and local officials in estimating the severity of flooding across our state. Citizens have lost loved ones, homes, and their livelihoods. Much of this destruction has occurred in parts of our state that have been particularly affected by our nation's current economic situation. Many of these counties also have poverty levels that are more than double the national average.

We know from our ongoing recovery in Mississippi from the effects of recent hurricanes, tornadoes, and flooding that significant resources and cooperation are necessary to recover fully from natural disasters as quickly as possible. We stand ready to face this new challenge by supporting the local communities, the state, and federal agencies as we work together to rebuild and renew areas destroyed by this major weather event.

Thank you for your consideration of this request. Please do not hesitate to contact us should you need further assistance in this effort.