U.S. Senator James Lankford is leading Oklahoma’s congressional delegation in urging President Donald Trump to approve federal disaster assistance for communities damaged by severe storms on July 4.
The delegation is supporting Governor Kevin Stitt’s request for a major disaster declaration covering Cleveland, Nowata, Osage and Washington counties.
The request seeks federal Public Assistance for the four counties and assistance through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program statewide.
Severe storms brought high winds, flooding and widespread power outages to parts of Oklahoma. Stitt issued a state emergency declaration following the storms. In Norman, winds exceeded 80 mph, with a 92 mph gust recorded at Max Westheimer Airport. Severe storms in northeastern Oklahoma also produced winds estimated as high as 80 mph.
In a letter to Trump, Lankford and other members of the Oklahoma delegation said state and local governments need federal help with the recovery.
“State and local officials have informed us that this incident is of such severity and magnitude that effective response and recovery is beyond the combined capability of the state and local governments,” the delegation wrote.
The lawmakers urged Trump to approve Stitt’s request and said they are prepared to assist with its evaluation.
