MEDFORD, MA – U. S. Representative Edward J. Markey (D-Malden), along with all of the members of the Massachusetts congressional delegation, today sent a letter to President Bush urging him to declare a state of emergency for the January 22 – 23 blizzard in Massachusetts. Rep. Markey organized the delegation letter to support Governor Mitt Romney’s request that the President declare the state of emergency through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). If awarded, the declaration will cover 10 of the 14 counties in the Commonwealth, and funds will be directed towards the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) for distribution to cities and towns. January’s blizzard contributed to a Massachusetts record for the highest monthly snowfall in 113 years. The National Weather Service reported snow drifts up to 7 feet in many communities. Sustained winds throughout the storm ranged from 25 mph to hurricane force wind gusts up to 83 mph.

Rep. Markey said, “This severe storm of historic proportions has caused financial hardships and strained state and local resources. The entire Massachusetts congressional delegation urges President Bush to respond quickly to this important request submitted by Governor Romney. This winter has been particularly difficult on the Commonwealth. Beginning on Saturday January 22 and continuing through Sunday January 23, a severe winter storm with blizzard conditions, damaging winds, bitterly cold temperatures, coastal flooding and extraordinary drifting of snow hit the Commonwealth . Today we are urging the federal government to help Massachusetts respond to this damaging storm.”

Markey continued, “This near-record snowfall has hurt businesses and disrupted school districts, public and private transportation, and government operations. The storm grounded air traffic at Logan International Airport, caused 41,000 power outages, and closed hundreds of schools for multiple days.”

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Snow Assistance Policy states that:

“Federal assistance provided as the result of an emergency or major disaster declaration due to snow or blizzard conditions is intended for emergency purposes only, not for the total cost of recovery from the snowstorm. If a declaration is made, Federal assistance will be provided for emergency protective measures (Category B under the Public Assistance program), which is defined as measures taken to protect public health and safety and to prevent damage to public or private property. These measures may include snow removal.”

www.house.gov/markey.

 iss_massmatters_ltr050128.pdf (764.96 KB) Rep. Markey Letter to President Bush, Jan. 28, 2005