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After several days of severe weather caused major damage in rural north-central Kansas, U.S. Senators Roger Marshall and Jerry Moran, along with Congressman Tracey Mann, are urging President Trump to approve the state’s request for a major disaster declaration. They say federal support is essential to help communities repair and rebuild vital public infrastructure.

If approved, the counties of Lincoln, Ottawa, Ellsworth, and Saline would be eligible for federal assistance.

Once approved, public utility providers and local governments would be eligible to submit storm-related expenses to FEMA for reimbursement.

In their letter, the Members of Congress wrote:

“From September 8 to 10, a slow-moving storm system produced exceptionally heavy rainfall across north-central Kansas, resulting in widespread flash flooding, overland flow, and severe damage to public infrastructure. Rainfall totals in the affected counties ranged from 8.9 inches to more than 14 inches in less than 48 hours, overwhelming drainage systems, saturating soils, and sending fast-moving floodwaters through road networks, agricultural land, and populated areas.

“This damage has placed significant financial strain on Kansans and local governments as they work to recover. Damage assessments conducted jointly by the state and FEMA have determined that Kansas is eligible for approximately $3.5 million in federal assistance.”

The full text of the letter can be found here.