Kansas Congressional Delegation Urges President Biden to Make Disaster Declaration for Kansas Following Severe Wind Storm and Fires

(Washington, D.C., January 26, 2022) – Today, U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kan.) and U.S. Representatives Tracey Mann (KS-01), Jake LaTurner (KS-02), Sharice Davids (KS-03) and Ron Estes (KS-04) wrote a letter urging President Biden to make a disaster declaration for the State of Kansas following the severe wind storm and fires that occurred last month. The Kansas Division of Emergency Management formally submitted the request for federal support on Monday.

“We write today in support of the Kansas Division of Emergency Management’s request that you declare a major disaster for the State of Kansas following the severe storms that swept across our state on December 15, 2021,” wrote the delegation. “This storm caused wind gusts up to 100 miles per hour, severely damaged our state’s infrastructure, and impacted our constituents’ livelihood.”

“The damage caused by this severe weather will have long-lasting effects on the people of Kansas and its economy,” continued the delegation. “Federal support must be quickly made available to equip our state and local governments with the resources necessary to respond to the devastation caused from these severe storms.” 

The full letter can be found here or below.

Dear Mr. President:

We write today in support of the Kansas Division of Emergency Management’s request that you declare a major disaster for the State of Kansas following the severe storms that swept across our state on December 15, 2021. This storm caused wind gusts up to 100 miles per hour, severely damaged our state’s infrastructure, and impacted our constituents’ livelihood.  Federal support is necessary to help our communities respond to this disaster.

The severe weather that impacted Kansans last month was recognized by the National Weather Service as an extremely rare event. Aside from devastating winds that swept across Kansas, we experienced heavy rain, thunderstorms, tornadoes, lightning and hail that caused widespread power outages for 53 counties. Thousands of miles of electric distribution and transmission systems were damaged as well as 132.51 miles of power conductors.  Many Kansans were without power for four days. The estimated cost of damages from this severe weather totals well over $15 million.  The damage caused by this severe weather will have long-lasting effects on the people of Kansas and its economy. 

The storms also exacted a human toll.  Flying debris, low visibility, and thunderstorms inflicted multiple injuries, caused vehicle rollovers, and took the lives of three Kansans.  Many Kansans received “boil water advisories” due to damaged water pumps. State and local capabilities remain overwhelmed from the damage caused by these severe weather events. This has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

We again express whole-hearted support for the Kansas Division of Emergency Management’s request.  Federal support must be quickly made available to equip our state and local governments with the resources necessary to respond to the devastation caused from these severe storms. 

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