Some further disaster relief in Cherokee County is on its way thanks to President Donald Trump.
The White House announced on Wednesday that President Trump approved a major disaster declaration which would make federal funding available for repair work related to the natural disasters that have affected North Alabama during February and March. Cherokee County, along with 9 other counties, are included in the designation: Colbert, DeKalb, Franklin, Jackson, Lamar, Madison, Marion, Morgan, and Winston.
Along with some of the severe weather that came through the area, Cherokee County was dealt a huge blow following the February flooding which saw Weiss Lake’s waters go well over its safe thresholds, causing damage and loss to several homes.
State and local county governments, along with some private nonprofits, would be eligible for the federal funding to repair and replace facilities damaged by the disasters.
Senator Doug Jones and Senator Richard Shelby both applauded Wednesday’s announcement. Jones stated, “This is a step in the right direction that will help communities in north Alabama recover after the devastating flooding that hit the region earlier this year,” and, “I will continue to look for every possible avenue on the federal level to help the folks who have been affected by this flooding.”
Senator Shelby, in a message sent out that same day via Twitter, said “I am grateful for the President’s help in repairing the damage,” along with other praise towards President Trump.
Similar sentiments were also expressed by Alabama Governor Kay Ivey during her personal statement about the declaration:
“The state of Alabama is far too familiar with the often unpredictable, damaging effects of severe weather. In recent months, our state has endured a variety of storm systems, including immense and historic flooding in North Alabama. Alabama is very grateful and pleased to welcome this news,” the governor said. “President Trump always stands ready to help Alabama, and I’m grateful for his hand in this recovery process. We can now fully be on the road to recovery because of the assistance of President Trump.”
(AL.com)