27 January 2006

Presidential Disaster Declaration Authorized for Kansas Counties Hit by Winter Storms

TOPEKA, Kan. – Governor Kathleen Sebelius today announced that President George W. Bush has declared a major disaster for 17 Kansas counties affected by severe winter storms that hit the state on November 27 and 28, 2005.

Gov. Sebelius declared a State of Disaster Emergency and sent a letter to the president on December 21 requesting public assistance for counties hit by winter storms. The presidential declaration includes Cheyenne, Decatur, Edwards, Graham, Gove, Hodgeman, Ness, Norton, Pawnee, Phillips, Rawlins, Rooks, Rush, Sheridan, Sherman, Thomas and Trego Counties.

This request was based on preliminary damage assessments in the counties with total eligible damage in the affected counties exceeded $10 million. The storms, accompanied by high winds, blizzard and icing conditions, left more than 1,200 people without power, including police departments, fire departments and hospitals.

“This is more good news for our state,” said Sebelius. “This federal assistance will enable local officials to restore vital public infrastructure damaged by these storms.” Sebelius noted certain private nonprofit organizations may also be eligible for assistance.

In addition to authorizing public assistance to restore damaged public infrastructure, the declaration also activates the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program for the entire state, which gives assistance to state and local governments for actions taken to prevent or reduce long term risk to life and property from natural or technological hazards.

The Governor asked for the public assistance under Section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, Public Law 288, as amended, and implemented by 44 CFR Part 206.36(d). These damages include such things as power lines, transformers and debris removal. Federal funds provided under the Stafford Act are limited to 75 percent of the total eligible costs in the designated areas.