UPDATED 10-13-2010 - Burgess writes to President Obama supporting his appeal for a federal disaster declaration and assistance for 13 counties affected by Tropical Storm Hermine.

Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-Texas) released the following statement after learning that the Obama Administration had denied Governor Rick Perry's request to grant a disaster declaration for thirteen Texas counties damaged by Tropical Storm Hermine:

“I am disappointed that the Obama Administration has refused to offer Texans the needed disaster declaration and assistance. Tropical Storm Hermine caused eight deaths, widespread flooding leading to more than 100 high water rescues, over 100 residences were destroyed and thousands of citizens were without water and electricity. This storm left behind a disaster – there is no doubt, and it is the responsibility of the federal government to aid the state and counties in clean-up and repairing the damage the storm caused. The fact that the federal government sent $18 million in social security checks to dead people but refuses to help Texas with the damage caused by Tropical Storm Hermine is outrageous.”

Background:
In early September Tropical Storm Hermine made landfall in Texas and caused widespread damage, which included flooding, property damage to private property as well as roads and bridges, and resulted in eight deaths.  On September 20, Governor Perry wrote to President Obama asking him to issue a disaster declaration for thirteen Texas counties.  The declaration would make storm victims eligible for federal disaster funding to help with recovery and rebuilding efforts.

On October 6, the Members of Congress whose districts were affected by Tropical Storm Hermine – Rep. Joe Barton (R-Arlington), Rep. Michael Burgess (R-Lewisville), Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-Austin), Rep. Kay Granger (R-Ft. Worth), Rep. Kenny Marchant (R-Coppell) and Rep. Lamar Smith (R-San Antonio) - sent a letter to President Obama supporting Governor Perry’s request for a federal disaster declaration for the thirteen affected Texas counties.

The thirteen counties are: Bell, Blanco, Cameron, Coryell, Denton, Hill, Jim Wells, Johnson, Medina, Tarrant, Travis, Willacy and Williamson counties as state disaster areas.

On October 8, Governor Perry heard back from FEMA denying his requested for a federal disaster declaration for the thirteen Texas counties.