Arizona Republicans urge Trump administration to approve disaster declaration for rural flooding

PHOENIX — Four U.S. representatives from Arizona sent a letter to President Donald Trump and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as the state appeals the agency’s denial of assistance for disastrous flooding in rural Gila and Mohave counties last September.

Globe and Miami received heavy rainfall from Sept. 25-27 during a surge of monsoon storms in the state. Gov. Katie Hobbs declared a state of emergency on Sept. 27, which released $200,000 of the state’s emergency funding amid a government shutdown.

Gila County confirmed at least three flood-related deaths after the Globe area received 2.5 inches of rain over a 24-hour period.

Republican Rep. Eli Crane, along with Reps. Andy Biggs, Juan Ciscomani and David Schweikert, argued the cost of damages and emergency responses exceeded $100 million in a more accurate assessment after the initial total of about $33.5 million was denied.

“The new figures reflect substantial and unanticipated financial burdens placed on local jurisdictions, which were required to undertake immediate emergency protective measures, restore essential services and address damage to roads, utilities and public facilities,” the letter read.

“When viewed in the aggregate, these impacts demonstrate a level of strain that exceeds the reasonable capacity of affected communities to manage without federal support,” it continued. “Beyond the immediate costs, the impacts of this event are ongoing.”

The letter also emphasized “instability of slopes and sediment-laden waterways” in the area that continue threatening safety, infrastructure and the surrounding environment, citing them as evidence the areas haven’t yet fully recovered.

The representatives called for FEMA officials to visit Gila County and speak with individuals impacted before making a decision on the state’s appeal.

Crane met with agency officials while in Washington, D.C., the previous week before sending Thursday’s letter.

KTAR News’ Kevin Zimmerman contributed to this story.

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