WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Austin Scott (GA-08), along with both of Georgia’s Senators and all thirteen other Members of the Georgia Congressional Delegation, led in sending a letter to President Trump requesting expedited emergency resources to aid counties in Georgia expected to be impacted by Hurricane Irma. Earlier today, President Trump declared approval for the use of federal emergency resources for 30 counties in Georgia, primarily along the state’s coastal region.

“Given the potential catastrophic impact that this hurricane may have on Georgia, the state and federal government must work together in order to help reduce the potential loss of life and destruction of property. As we recently witnessed with Hurricane Harvey in Texas and Louisiana, preparation and up-front resources are paramount in mitigating the impacts of the storm and providing quick response in its aftermath,” wrote the Members. “We thank you for approving Georgia’s initial Emergency Declaration and ask for your continued support and assistance in providing the resources necessary to ensure the safety of Georgians.”

Below is the text of today’s letter:

 

September 8, 2017

President Donald J. Trump

The White House

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

Washington, DC 20500

 

Dear Mr. President:

We write in full support of Governor Nathan Deal’s request for an emergency declaration for the state of Georgia in anticipation of Hurricane Irma. As the current projections indicate, this major hurricane will significantly impact Georgia communities, and we urge you to approve requests to ensure that full federal resources are made available for counties currently under the declaration and those that may be determined to be in need of emergency federal assistance in the coming days.

Hurricane Irma has been classified as a Category 5 hurricane, and has already caused incredible devastation to portions of the Caribbean. Given the potential catastrophic impact that this hurricane may have on Georgia, the state and federal government must work together in order to help reduce the potential loss of life and destruction of property. As we recently witnessed with Hurricane Harvey in Texas and Louisiana, preparation and up-front resources are paramount in mitigating the impacts of the storm and providing quick response in its aftermath.

We thank you for approving Georgia’s initial Emergency Declaration and ask for your continued support and assistance in providing the resources necessary to ensure the safety of Georgians.

 

Sincerely,

Senator Johnny Isakson

Senator David Perdue

Representative Earl L. "Buddy" Carter

Representative Sanford Bishop, Jr.

Representative A. Drew Ferguson, IV DMD

Representative Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr.

Representative John Lewis

Representative Karen Handel

Representative Rob Woodall 

Representative Austin Scott

Representative Doug Collins

Representative Jody Hice

Representative Barry Loudermilk

Representative Rick W. Allen

Representative David Scott

Representative Tom Graves

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