In a December 17 letter, the National Association of Counties (NACo) urged congressional leaders to act swiftly to provide front line relief and assistance to local governments and other entities responding to and recovering from recent storm disasters.

From the letter:

Therefore, we urge you to act quickly and enact an emergency disaster supplemental spending bill that strengthens local critical infrastructure, aides citizens, and enhances support to critical federal programs important to state and local governments for disaster prevention, mitigation, response and recovery.

…

While we understand the severity of the federal budget challenges that must be addressed, we strongly believe it is imperative that we remain vigilant about meeting our public safety commitments to our nation’s citizens. States and local governments can only achieve the highest level of preparedness, response and recovery if the federal government urgently addresses these critical priorities. Counties stand ready to work with you to enhance our nation’s needs in times of emergency.

County officials are encouraged to contact members of Congress to reinforce these priorities. For more information, please contact NACo’s Legislative Director Ed Rosado (202.942.4271/erosado@naco.org) or NACo Associate Legislative Director Dalen Harris (202.942.4236/dharris@naco.org).