South Asheville News

U.S. Congressman Chuck Edwards, representing North Carolina's 11th district, has taken the lead in a collective appeal to President Joe Biden and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. The appeal emphasizes the importance of retaining essential disaster recovery resources in Western North Carolina amidst recent natural disasters in California.

The letter, which Edwards spearheaded, was co-signed by several other members of the North Carolina delegation, including Senator Thom Tillis, Senator Ted Budd, Congresswoman Virginia Foxx, and others. It urges federal authorities not to divert FEMA personnel from ongoing hurricane recovery efforts in Western North Carolina to address the needs arising from the latest disaster in California.

The delegation expressed their concerns directly: "We are writing to express our concern that in light of the latest natural disaster occurring in California, FEMA might be tempted to pull personnel from Western North Carolina who are still vital to our ongoing recovery efforts." They further stressed their request by stating: "We urge you in the strongest manner possible not to draw down manpower from our devastated region."

Acknowledging the impact of natural disasters on communities, the letter noted: "As members of Congress from the state of North Carolina, we are familiar with the destruction and despair communities experience during and following a natural disaster." While expressing solidarity with those affected by fires in California, they highlighted the critical needs that persist within their own state.

Following recent legislation that allocates $110 billion for disaster relief, maintaining FEMA's presence is deemed crucial by these lawmakers. The letter concludes with a plea for notification should any changes occur regarding resource allocation: "We also request that you notify us in advance should you otherwise determine resources should be removed from our great state."

The communication reflects an effort by North Carolina's congressional representatives to ensure sustained support for their constituents as they continue recovering from severe weather events.