For Immediate Release
August 30, 2007
Media Contact: Ray Yonkura
(202) 225-2676
Jordan Column on Flood Recovery
Washington, DC -- Congressman Jim Jordan (R-Urbana) today released the following column:
It is incredible how a week can change things.
Let me begin by thanking each and every person in our district who, through their prayers and other actions, helped families and businesses make their way through last week’s floods.
Many people with experience in hurricane recovery said that parts of our district were reminiscent of the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
But, like many in our district, I cannot help but notice the stark difference between the reactions of our communities and those in some areas of the Gulf Coast.
When I surveyed flood-stricken areas in places like Bluffton, Mansfield, Shelby, Carey, Findlay, and Upper Sandusky, I didn’t see looting or lawlessness. I didn’t see hopelessness or anger.
I saw friends and neighbors helping each other. I saw families and communities coming together in their time of need. I saw local, state, and federal officials working in partnership to help the taxpayers they serve.
Though these weren’t always the images that made it on the cable news shows, they are ones each of us can rest assured demonstrate the best America has to offer.
Most of us are familiar with the well-publicized failures of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in the aftermath of Katrina.
In our process toward applying for federal assistance, we were able to avoid many of the same pitfalls, thanks in no small part to the outstanding teamwork displayed by emergency management officials in our affected communities and the State of Ohio.
Also instrumental were Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff and FEMA Director R. David Paulison. They joined me on a tour of damage in Hancock County immediately following the storms and pledged quick action on a federal disaster declaration.
To review, the path toward receiving federal assistance is perhaps best described as requests for help moving “up the ladder” and aid moving back “down the ladder.”
The first step in the process is for counties or communities to make a local emergency declaration, triggering a request for state assistance. This occurred in ten counties and five other communities, beginning when the rain and storms started.
The next day, on the advice of state emergency management officials, Governor Strickland issued a state-level declaration in nine of the affected counties. Along with this declaration came state assistance for individuals and families who already qualified for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) programs.
That Saturday, teams of federal, state, and local officials began preliminary damage assessments that provided the information needed for the state to formally request assistance for six counties late Sunday evening.
The next day, President Bush made official the federal disaster declaration for those counties, allowing residents and business owners to begin the application process for assistance from such agencies as FEMA, the Small Business Administration, and the Departments of Labor, Commerce, and Agriculture.
Applications are now being accepted by FEMA, and inspections have begun. As a reminder to those who wish to apply for benefits but have yet to do so: FEMA’s toll-free number is 1-800-621-FEMA, and its website is www.fema.gov. Applicants will want to have their insurance and income information handy to expedite the application process.
The FEMA application is a one-stop shop to begin the process for every type of federal assistance. The form is designed to direct applicants to the programs for which they qualify and that best suit their needs.
Now that residents and business owners have begun submitting applications, the real test is beginning. We urge all residents who face difficulty or need assistance with the process once they have applied to please contact us at one of our district offices: in Mansfield at 419-522-5757, in Findlay at 419-423-3210, or in Lima at 419-999-6455.
As I have said before, the devastation and destruction was every bit as real as the photos and footage indicate. But amidst the tragedy were a number of inspiring and uniquely American stories of families coming together and neighbors helping neighbors.
As we head back to Washington after Labor Day, you can expect to see three issues at the forefront. First will be the next phase of debate about the War on Terror, with specific attention paid to a long-awaited report to Congress from General David Petraeus.
Second, given the recent bridge collapse in Minnesota, along with flooding in Ohio and across the Midwest, we expect a new debate about infrastructure needs across America.
Third, we expect continued debate over the level of federal taxing and spending as it relates to the budget. The U.S. House has passed each of the twelve appropriations bills required by law, and these bills now await further action in the Senate.
We always appreciate hearing your feedback on these and other issues that are important to you, your family, and your community. Please do not hesitate to contact us by phone at the numbers listed above, in Washington at 202-225-2676, or by e-mail through our website, jordan.house.gov.
