Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell (D-AL) released the following statement in response to President Obama Issuing an Emergency Disaster Declaration for the State of Alabama:

"I am pleased President Obama quickly issued an emergency disaster declaration for the state of Alabama following the recent storms and tornadoes destruction. The declaration will make available federal aid that will help residents in Jefferson and Chilton counties rebuild and recover from the aftermath of the tornadoes and heavy storms.

This federal funding will provide storms survivors with access to grants to meet their immediate needs such as temporary housing, financing for home repairs not covered by insurance, low-cost loans for uninsured property losses, and other programs.

My thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of the people killed by the storms and tornadoes that hit communities across Alabama last week and the many other residents whose property and homes were damaged. My office will continue to work with federal, state and local officials to ensure that we are doing all we can to get families the resources and assistance they need to rebuild their communities after these storms. In these difficult times, I know that the resilient spirit of our communities will see us through."

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Contact:  Breelyn Pete;   202.225.2665;   Breelyn.pete@mail.house.gov