Kansas Congressional Delegation Recognizes Federal Disaster Declaration for Kansas Following Severe Wind Storms and Fires

(Washington, D.C., February 18, 2022) – Today, U.S. Senators Roger Marshall, M.D. and Jerry Moran, and U.S. Representatives Tracey Mann (KS-01), Jake LaTurner (KS-02), Sharice Davids (KS-03) and Ron Estes (KS-04) recognized the federal disaster declaration for Kansas following the severe wind storms and fires that occurred in December. Last month, after the Kansas Division of Emergency Management submitted the request for federal support, the Kansas congressional delegation urged President Biden to make the formal declaration to support the state in its recovery.

“Communities and individuals across Kansas are facing a long road to recovery following the severe storms that ripped through communities in December,” said Sen. Marshall. “I applaud President Biden for granting this federal disaster declaration that will provide our state with the support and resources needed to rebuild and restore our communities and public infrastructure. My office stands at the ready to help Kansans in need of federal assistance as they work towards getting back on their feet.”

“The severe storms that swept across our state on December 15 upended the lives of many Kansans and destroyed critical infrastructure,” said Sen. Moran. “It will take time to recover from the devastation caused by the storms, but this federal disaster declaration will equip our state with resources to help Kansans in the process.”

“As Kansans continue to rebuild from the extensive damage done by the windstorm and wildfires in December, I am reminded of their resilience,” said Rep. Mann. “In the past two months, communities have banded together to help their neighbors recover from losing homes, farms, and livestock. Now with this declaration of disaster, Kansans will have access to resources to help them rebuild even stronger.”

“In December, communities across Kansas were hit hard with severe storms, including tornados, hail, heavy thunderstorms, and straight-line wind gusts up to 100 mph,” said Rep. LaTurner. “After coming together with my fellow Kansans to request federal assistance, I am grateful that much-needed disaster relief funds will soon be coming to Kansas to help respond and recover from the severe weather.”

“I’m grateful to my Kansas colleagues here in Washington for coming together to support our state, and to the President for responding to our request for help,” said Rep. Davids. “The rare and severe weather we experienced late last year cost Kansans their lives and their livelihoods. These federal funds will supplement the ongoing state disaster response and accelerate our recovery.”

“Kansans have been affected by the severe weather that swept across the state in December,” said Rep. Estes. “These emergency funds from FEMA alleviate the stress on families and local governments and provide support to communities in need.”

Items to note:

• The delegation’s letter to President Biden from last month can be viewed here.
• Sens. Moran and Marshall, alongside Rep. Mann, this week urged U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack to grant flexibility under the Emergency Livestock Assistance Program (ELAP) for producers affected by the wildfires.
• Kansans needing assistance with federal resources can find office contact information here.

###