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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 11,
2007 No. 07-187 Kansas Governor Requests Federal Emergency Disaster
Declaration Governor Sebelius has requested a federal emergency disaster declaration
for all 105 Kansas counties as a result of the ice storm which began Dec.
6. Sebelius signed a letter to the White House late today, (Tues.) requesting
federal assistance to help the state recover from the impact of the storm.
Although roadway conditions remained primarily wet and slushy today, and
icy in spots, four Kansans lost their lives in traffic accidents attributed
to slick roadways over the past weekend. Sebelius declared a state of emergency disaster Monday, Dec. 10 in anticipation
of worsening conditions overnight. By early afternoon Tuesday, power companies
reported more than 115,000 Kansas customers without service throughout
the state. "Based on the number of power lines and poles reported down so far,
and the amount of debris that will need to be cleared, it will be important
that we have federal support available to our communities," Sebelius
said. "Our focus at this time is on meeting the immediate needs of
Kansans, however, we will further assess the financial impact of the storm
in the days ahead." The National Weather Service is forecasting colder temperatures and high
winds in some areas overnight tonight which may lead to additional power
outages and debris issues. In the request for the federal emergency disaster declaration, Governor
Sebelius asked for the Public Assistance program to assist communities
with debris removal and emergency protective measures taken before, during,
and after the disaster to save lives and protect the public's health.
State and local agencies that responded and are continuing to provide
response and recovery support include the Kansas Division of Emergency
Management, Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Kansas Highway
Patrol, Kansas National Guard, Kansas Department of Transportation, American
Red Cross and Salvation Army. The Kansas Adjutant General's Department
is coordinating the state's response actions. -30- |
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