Congressman Cohen Sends Letter To TN Governor Following Weekend Storms

Congressman Cohen was among the 140,000 Memphis and Shelby County residents that lost power and experienced storm damage. The Congressman continues to monitor the situation closely from Washington, DC – including the restoration of power to the Ninth District’s homes and small businesses.

The text of the letter follows:

June 17, 2009

Phil Bredesen
Governor
Tennessee State Capitol
Nashville, TN 37243

Governor Bredesen,

I strongly urge you to request Preliminary Damage Assessments and other assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the City of Memphis and Shelby County in response to the tornadoes that occurred on June 12th and 14th, 2009.

There are various programs under FEMA which would provide assistance to my constituents. The Public Assistance Grant Program would assist with debris removal, the repair, replacement, or restoration of disaster-damaged and publicly owned facilities. The Individual Assistance and Household programs would assist with temporary residences (rental assistance) or repairs to make homes safe, sanitary and functional. The Preliminary Damage Assessments would survey the damage to residential and business districts and involve assessments to public infrastructure.

As you are aware, 140,000 Memphis and Shelby County residents lost power during the June 12th storms. It has been five days since the storm and many of my constituents are still without power for refrigerators and freezers and air conditioners in the heat of Memphis. The last several days have been stressful to the already fragile lives of the elderly, as well as the parents and the children who need lights, food and air conditioning in this summer heat.

Again, I respectfully request that you contact FEMA quickly as possible and I look forward to your response.

As always, I remain,

Most Sincerely,

Steve Cohen

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________________________
Steven Broderick
Communications Director
Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9)
1005 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Direct: 202-226-7916
Main: 202-225-3265
steven.broderick@mail.house.gov