Cohen Urges Governor to Declare Memphis a State of Emergency

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN-9) today urged Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen to declare Memphis a state of emergency. Due to recent weather, Memphis is experiencing the worst flooding seen in decades.

“Memphis is under water and needs help as soon as possible,” said Congressman Cohen. “I’ve spoken to FEMA already and the sooner the area is declared a state of emergency by the Governor, the more quickly we will get help from the federal government. Our hearts go out to the many families that have been displaced by this terrible weather. We have to help them. I will do everything I can to get federal help for our families and neighborhoods in Memphis.”

Congressman Cohen today contacted the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to discuss what steps must be taken to get Memphis federal assistance. FEMA is an agency in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security charged with coordinating responses to natural disasters that have overwhelmed local and state authorities. Before the federal agency can act to help Memphis, the Governor must declare a state of emergency and formally request President Obama to have FEMA provide assistance.