GREGG, SUNUNU PLEASED WITH MAJOR DISASTER DECLARATION FOR BELKNAP, COOS, AND GRAFTON COUNTIES

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                                CONTACT: LAENA FALLON

9/5/08                                                                          202-224-3324

                                                                                    BARBARA RILEY

603-430-9560

GREGG, SUNUNU PLEASED WITH MAJOR DISASTER DECLARATION

FOR BELKNAP, COOS, AND GRAFTON COUNTIES

Ruling triggers public assistance for communities

affected by severe storms in July, August

MANCHESTER, NH – United States Senators Judd Gregg and John Sununu (R-NH) today (9/5) were pleased with the Administration’s announcement of a major disaster declaration for Belknap, Grafton, and Coos Counties. The action triggers public assistance to help communities rebuild following flash flooding, flooding, and high winds during July and August storms.

“Local and state officials have done a tremendous job helping communities in Belknap, Grafton, and Coos Counties recover from the damage from this summer’s storms, but there is still more work to do,” said Gregg and Sununu. “With this major disaster declaration, state and local governments and certain private non-profit organizations can apply for public assistance to repair or replace facilities and infrastructure, providing much needed relief.”

On August 27,  Judd Gregg and John Sununu announced their support of the Governor’s request to the White House for public disaster assistance to aid Granite State communities affected by severe storms in July and August. The Senators had written to President Bush supporting the Governor’s request for a major disaster declaration.