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President Trump Approves Gov. Edwards’ Emergency Declaration Request

Today, President Donald Trump approved Gov. John Bel Edwards’ Federal Emergency Declaration request for Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Jefferson Davis, and Vermillion Parishes and ordered Federal assistance to supplement state, tribal and local response efforts due to the emergency conditions resulting from Tropical Storm Harvey beginning on Aug. 27, 2017, and continuing.

“President Trump and his administration executed swift and decisive action in approving our Federal Disaster Declaration,” said Gov. Edwards. “We are very grateful for the assistance and because this is an ongoing event, we continue to monitor the changing conditions of the storm and will move every available state and federal resource where they are needed most.”

The President’s action will provide appropriate assistance for required emergency measures authorized under Title V of the Stafford Act, to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety, and to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe in the parishes of Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Jefferson Davis and Vermillion.

Specifically, FEMA is authorized to identify, mobilize and provide at its discretion equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the emergency. Emergency protective measures, including direct Federal assistance, will be provided at 75 percent Federal funding. 

Gov. Edwards requested the Emergency Declaration in a letter to President Trump Sunday, Aug. 27, 2017. Click here to read the governor’s request letter.Click here to read the president’s declaration.