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Gallego fights for Globe and Miami flood relief
Sen. Ruben Gallego and Arizona lawmakers demand answers from FEMA after disaster relief was denied for Gila and Mohave counties. FOX 10's Nicole Krasean reports.
PHOENIX - Members of Congress representing Arizona are demanding answers from FEMA after the federal agency denied disaster relief funds to flood-ravaged areas in Gila and Mohave counties.
What they're saying:
In an exclusive interview with FOX 10, Sen. Ruben Gallego discussed the letter sent to FEMA and the president on Friday.
Sen. Gallego said leaders in Arizona's Copper Corridor, where some of the worst flooding happened, worked with state and federal groups including his own staff when applying for this funding.
He said he is prepared to leverage his voting powers in Washington to ensure these communities are not overlooked.
"A small town that just doesn't have that many resources to begin with, this is why FEMA exists, right?" Sen. Gallego said.
The Arizona senator joined six other lawmakers on Capitol Hill who represent the Grand Canyon State in a letter demanding answers from FEMA after the agency denied a major disaster declaration over last year's flash floods in Gila and Mohave counties.
Globe flood recovery: FEMA denies major disaster declaration for Arizona community
FEMA has denied the state of Arizona's appeal for a major disaster declaration following devastating floods in Globe.
Dig deeper:
The denial stated in part that the damage did not exceed state and local government capabilities.
"I don't know what would then, if it didn't," Globe Mayor Al Gameros said. "You know, we're talking three deaths in the storm, you're talking about millions of dollars of damage."
Mayor Gameros said estimated damages are around $100 million.
Sen. Gallego said that is too much money for communities like Globe or Miami to generate on their own.
"When you start to get out to rural Arizona, they don't actually have the capabilities to actually come up with funds," Sen. Gallego said. "It's not like Phoenix, it's not like Scottsdale, they're not really rich areas, and they're surrounded by federal land, so what are they gonna tax? They're not gonna tax the property, they're very limited in what they have right there and, in terms of economic growth, there's only so much they can have there."
In the letter sent to FEMA and President Trump on Friday, the lawmakers asked 13 pointed questions regarding the decision-making FEMA went through to reach the denial. Sen. Gallego told FOX 10 he is willing to hold up legislation in Washington to get these communities the relief they need.
"For me and for some of my colleagues, we're going to have to look at what points of leverage we have," Sen. Gallego said. "At some point, they're gonna need our vote for something, and in order for them to get our vote, I'm gonna demand that FEMA make sure they take care of Miami and Globe, that may be for example, when Florida has a natural disaster or when Texas has a big hurricane, and they come for my vote, that's where I'm going to demand that Arizona also gets taken care of, but who knows how long that could take. This is why the current system that is used that is based on need, that is based on true disaster need is the preferred system because then you take politics out of it altogether."
What's next:
In the letter, lawmakers gave FEMA officials until August 7 to answer their questions and give briefings on the issue.