Sebelius seeks federal aid for recent flood victims / LJWorld.com

Kansas Legislature

July 6, 2007

Kansas flood victims get new promises for federal aid

It's been a rough week for Kansas flood victims - out of their homes for five days now. Today, they get new promises of federal help. Enlarge video

Topeka — Gov. Kathleen Sebelius on Thursday said she has requested federal assistance for southeast Kansans hit by recent floods.

Recent record-breaking rains have left hundreds homeless and caused severe damage to water, sewer and electric systems.

Sebelius said she made the request to FEMA Director David Paulison. "He assured me that with damage assessment numbers from the regional office, we should receive a response within the next 48 hours," she said.

Twenty counties, including Franklin County, have been declared federal disaster areas after torrential rains fell last week and early this week.

At this point, the disaster declaration allows for federal assistance to repair vital public infrastructure, officials said, not individuals' damage to personal property.

Legislative leaders today will consider ordering a review of the emergency response to the flooding.

"The damage from this flood is widespread and will require a long-term focus for recovery," said Senate Majority Leader Derek Schmidt, R-Independence.

Schmidt, whose district was hard-hit by flooding, has asked the Legislative Coordinating Council to issue a study of the flooding. The council comprises House and Senate leaders and will be selecting topics for study before the start of the next legislative session in January.

Schmidt went on a flyover of the flooded area with the Kansas National Guard.

"The extent of the flooding is breathtaking," he said. "When the waters recede, the long-term rebuilding and cleanup efforts will be enormous. Entire neighborhoods will face demolition."

Lawmakers have already appointed a group to review the response to the May tornado that destroyed most of Greensburg in south-central Kansas. Schmidt said the southeast Kansas flood can be added to that effort.

He said because of the widespread nature of the flood, there were several bureaucratic foul-ups that may need legislation to prevent from happening again.

Sebelius backed Schmidt's request.

She also said the Kansas National Guard will set up two locations for "one-stop shop" recovery centers where flood victims can access assistance.

"Given the large 20-county area affected by the floods, it is likely that we will also have mobile units out to assist citizens in their home areas," Sebelius said.