Sebelius outlines challenges faced in storm recovery
Lawmakers return to Topeka to address needs of Greensburg, other areas

The Legislature’s last day is usually a ceremonial occasion, however this year the destruction in Greensburg and surrounding areas is spurring action.

Governor Kathleen Sebelius has issued a message to returning lawmakers, the text of which appears below.  Following the Governor’s message is a brief recap of efforts throughout the state to assist storm victims.

Message From The Governor

Since our founding, times of incredible difficulty have always been met by Kansans, standing together, ready to reach for the stars. Now, a new challenge is upon us.

Earlier this month, a series of storms swept through our state, taking lives, destroying homes and threatening livelihoods.  As we know, the greatest damage occurred in Greensburg and surrounding areas in Kiowa County.

The destruction of so many homes and the entire business district presents unimaginable challenges to the people of Greensburg as they strive to rebuild.  While the recovery effort must be guided by local residents, the state can and should provide assistance to them as they create a new and even more vibrant community.

I have issued a series of executive orders to provide relief to the affected areas, but we must also take action to ensure the state can respond to Greensburg’s needs during the period between today and the start of the 2008 Legislative Session.

I thank all legislators for returning to Topeka to put in place the necessary authority to provide this relief, and thank the leadership of both chambers for their cooperation in ensuring our state can provide the proper assistance to Greensburg as it rebuilds.

Relief and recovery efforts throughout the state

Less than two weeks after Governor Sebelius asked President Bush to issue a major disaster declaration for Kansas, more than $4 million in state and federal financial assistance has been approved to help individuals, families and businesses recover from losses suffered in the severe storms and tornadoes

Greensburg recovery updates

• As of Sunday afternoon, 13,114 loads of debris had been taken to the landfill.
• The E-Meds hospital opened this morning across from the John Deere dealership.
• Meetings with representatives from the Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Risk Management Agency, Rural Development, Extension Service, Kansas Rural Helpline, FEMA, Kiowa County Disaster Volunteer Coordinator and others will be held Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. 

Financial assistance to Kansas communities

• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assistance has been expanded to homeowners, renters and business owners in Barton, Osborne, Ottawa and Phillips counties.  Residents of those counties are also now eligible for Individual Assistance.
• Public assistance grants are available to local governments and certain eligible private nonprofit organizations in Barton, Edwards, Pratt and Stafford counties.
• Homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes in Barton, Edwards, Kiowa, Osborne, Ottawa, Phillips, Pratt and Stafford counties that sustained damages and losses can now register for disaster assistance with FEMA and apply for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
• The SBA has approved more than $3 million in low-interest disaster loans to Kansas residents and businesses in Edwards, Kiowa, Pratt and Stafford counties affected by this disaster.
• To date, FEMA has received nearly 1,000 applications for aid from residents of Edwards, Kiowa, Pratt and Stafford counties that were designated for Individual Assistance under the disaster declaration.
• Nearly $1.2 million has been approved under the FEMA Individuals and Households Program. Of that figure, nearly $855,000 was approved in Housing Assistance grants and $332,600 was approved for Other Needs Assistance grants to help with disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance or met by charitable organizations.

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