Governor Crist Requests Increased Federal Assistance to Combat Fay’s Effects

In response to the increase severity and magnitude of damage and need from Tropical Storm Fay, which continues to plague Florida with record flooding and the threat of an unprecendented fourth landfall in one state, Florida Governor Charlie Crist sent a letter to President Bush today, August 22, 2008, requesting a major disaster declaration for Florida. 

The Governor specified that, if granted, the declaration should be retroactive to August 18–the date of the storm’s first landfall in Florida.

Governor Crist initially declared the State of Florida to be in a State of Emergency on August 16, which activated certain emergency response capacities.  On August 20, he wrote President Bush requesting a federal State of Emergency be declared retroactive to August 18. 

The Governor’s August 22 letter requesting increased federal assistance is attached for your review.