CONCORD - Gov. John Lynch today asked the Federal Emergency Management Agency to reconsider including assistance to individuals in the major disaster declaration relating to the recent tornado.

Under the President’s disaster declaration, communities in Belknap, Carroll, Merrimack, Rockingham and Strafford counties impacted by tornado are eligible to receive financial assistance to help cover the costs of responding to the emergency and repairing public infrastructure. The President’s declaration did not include assistance for individuals, although Gov. Lynch had requested it.

FEMA offers two primary types of assistance, public assistance - which helps the state and communities cover emergency operations, debris removal and repair costs; and individual assistance - which provides some emergency assistance to individuals, such as temporary housing, and will cover some - but not usually all - costs of the damage.

A copy of the letter to the President is attached.

August 22, 2008

R. David Paulison, FEMA Administrator
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Washington, DC 20500

Through: Phil Parr, Federal Coordinating Officer
Federal Emergency Management Agency, Region 1
99 High Street
Boston, MA 02110-2132

Dear Mr. Paulison:

  On July 28, 2008, under the provisions of Section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 5121-5206 (Stafford Act), and implemented by 44 CFR § 206.36, I respectfully requested that a major disaster be declared for New Hampshire for the tornado event of July 24th. I also requested that the Public Assistance and Individual Assistance Programs be designated for five New Hampshire counties: Merrimack, Rockingham, Strafford, Belknap, and Carroll.

  On July 24, 2008, a tornado, severe winds and heavy rains caused extensive damage to homes, businesses and public infrastructure. The tornado and high winds created a path of destruction through these five New Hampshire counties that destroyed homes, displaced families, downed trees and forest lands and closed major state roadways. The impact to residents has been extensive, with over 100 homes rendered uninhabitable. Phone and electric service was cut off to over 12,500 customers. One fatality is attributed to a building collapse, and local hospitals reported numerous physical injuries associated with the severe storm.

  While I appreciate the President’s prompt response in designating these counties for the Public Assistance Program, I ask you to reconsider my request that supplemental Individual Assistance be designated for the five impacted counties. This disaster is beyond the capabilities of New Hampshire and the affected local governments in providing the necessary assistance to individuals and homeowners and supplemental Individual Assistance remains necessary for recovery.

  Your consideration in this request is greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,
John H. Lynch
Governor