(WASHINGTON, DC) – Congressman Dennis Moore (Third District-KS) announced today the federal government has declared a major disaster for the State of Kansas, making federal assistance available to people and communities affected by the severe storms and tornadoes on Sunday.

“This declaration triggers the release of federal funds that will help people and communities who are suffering get back on their feet,” Moore said. “I’m pleased the federal and state governments worked together in such a timely matter to get the resources we need to begin rebuilding Kansas City.”

On Monday, Moore sent a letter to President George Bush supporting Governor Kathleen Sebelius’ request for federal assistance to help Kansans recover from the disaster. The funding includes assistance to individuals and households, assistance to state and local governments for the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged public facilities and 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 designated counties are Cherokee, Crawford, Labette, Leavenworth, Miami, Neosho and Wyandotte.

Moore witnessed first-hand the devastation brought by the tornadoes when he visited sites in Wyandotte County on Monday with Governor Sebelius, Unified Government Mayor Carol Marinovich and FEMA Regional Director Dick Hainje. One death was reported in Wyandotte County, ten injuries, 100 homes had major damage and 500 homes experienced other damage.

“My heart goes out to the victims who are hurting due to the destruction of their homes and particularly to the Kansas City family who lost a loved one,” Moore said. “I will continue to do all that I can to help Kansans recover from this terrible disaster.”

Moore serves as co-chair of the Congressional Wind Hazard Reduction Caucus which he founded on October 27, 1999. The Wind Hazard Reduction Caucus is a bipartisan organization that is focused on increasing the awareness of Members of Congress about public safety and economic losses associated with wind. The goal of the Caucus is to improve public safety and decrease the economic losses associated with tropical storms, hurricanes, thunderstorms, tornadoes, and other severe wind events.