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Senate advances $36.5 billion disaster relief package

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The Senate on Monday gave a preliminary OK to a $36.5 billion hurricane relief package that would provide Puerto Rico with a much-needed infusion of cash and keep the federal flood insurance program from running out of money to pay claims.

The 79-16 procedural vote set the stage for a final vote, most likely on Tuesday.

The measure also provides $18.7 billion to replenish the Federal Emergency Management Agency's rapidly dwindling emergency disaster accounts. On Monday, FEMA announced more than $500 million in aid to Puerto Rico, including $285 million to help restore power and water services to the devastated island. An additional $16 billion would permit the financially troubled federal flood insurance program to pay an influx of Harvey-related claims.

But the bill rejects requests from the powerful Texas and Florida congressional delegations for additional money to rebuild after hurricanes Harvey and Irma. Florida Democrat Bill Nelson, whose state's citrus industry endured significant losses during Irma, sought to add $3 billion in immediate agriculture assistance to the measure, but was denied by Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., who said money for crop losses would be in subsequent aid measures.

Senate passage on Tuesday would send the measure to President Donald Trump for his signature.

There was urgency to move the measure swiftly — rather than add more money to it at this time — because the government's disaster response and flood insurance reserves are running out. Democrat Sen. Patrick Leahy of Vermont said that would happen "in a matter of days" without action.

Still, members of the Texas and Florida delegations in Congress are unhappy because the measure failed to address extensive requests for additional hurricane rebuilding money. Texas, inundated by Harvey in August, requested $19 billion, while Florida sought $27 billion.

"I'm pretty disappointed with what the House sent over," Texas GOP Sen. John Cornyn said last week. But later, after speaking to both Trump and White House budget director Mick Mulvaney, Cornyn said he was promised that the White House would issue another disaster aid measure next month for Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico. A fourth, and perhaps final, measure is likely to anchor a year-end spending bill.

"The victims of these hurricanes can continue to count on our support," McConnell said.

Up to $5 billion of the measure's total could be used to assist Puerto Rico's central government and various municipalities that are suffering unsustainable cash shortfalls as Maria has choked off revenues and strained resources. An additional $150 million would help Puerto Rico with the 10 percent match required for FEMA disaster relief.

5 former presidents call for unity at hurricane relief concert in Texas

More than one-fourth of the island's residents don't have potable running water and only 17 percent have electricity, according to FEMA. Just 392 miles of Puerto Rico's 5,073 miles of roads are open. Conditions in the U.S. Virgin Islands are bad as well, with widespread power outages.

But Trump last week graded his response to the Puerto Rico disaster a 10 on a scale of 10.

"President Trump seems more concerned about claiming credit for a job well done than the actual situation on the ground deserves, particularly in Puerto Rico," Leahy said. "This is the hard part of governing," he added. "We dig in for the long haul, we stop patting ourselves on the back."

The measure currently before the Senate contains $577 million for wildfires in the West that forced agencies to tap other reserves for firefighting accounts and FEMA money.

Republicans delayed action last year on modest requests by President Barack Obama to combat the Zika virus and help Flint, Mich., repair its lead-tainted water system. But they are moving quickly to take care of this year's alarming series of disasters, quickly passing a $15.3 billion relief measure last month and signaling that another installment is coming next month.

Damage is still being assessed and final cost estimates for recovering and rebuilding from this year's hurricane season are not in yet. Some House conservatives are becoming restive at the high price tag for the disasters, which come as the deficit is growing.

Emergency Proclamation Issued Declaring Kaua‘i a Disaster

Emergency Proclamation Issued:

Gov. David Ige today issued an emergency proclamation for the County of Kauaʻi after unprecedented rains caused flooding and a series of landslides on Kūhiō Highway.

“We’ve mobilized to assist Mayor Carvalho and his emergency management team. The Hawaiʻi Guard and the City and County of Honolulu are preparing to help Kauaʻi with search and rescue operations as crews continue to clear the roadway,” said Gov. Ige.

The proclamation authorizes the expenditure of state monies as appropriated for the speedy and efficient relief of damages caused by this weather event.

Radar imagery 4.15.18. PC: NOAA/NWS

 

Flood Warning Extended

The National Weather Service in Honolulu has extended the Flash Flood Warning for the island of Kauaʻi until 4:45 p.m. on Sunday, April 15, 2018.

At 1:28 p.m., intense rainfall with rates at least 4 to 5 inches per hour continued over north and east Kauaʻi. The heaviest rainfall has spread east and will produce a rapid and significant rise in the Kapaʻa Stream and Wailua River water levels.

This is in addition to the severe flooding ongoing in Hanalei River.

Road access west of Princeville is not possible and several communities are isolated due to washed out roads.

Emergency managers are advising the public to avoid any unnecessary travel to north and east Kauaʻi until further notice.

State mobilizes response to Kauaʻi floods and landslides

Governor David Ige this morning assembled state emergency management leaders to assist Kauaʻi County’s response to serious flooding and landslides on that island.

In a video conference with the Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency, first responders, and Mayor Bernard Carvalho, the governor committed to providing all available resources to helping Kauaʻi residents.

“In a situation like the Kauaʻi flooding, the response begins at the county level,” Ige said, “but we’re coordinating help from around the state. Based on the county’s needs, we may also bring in other state agencies like DLNR to provide specialized skills and personnel. I especially want to recognize our Department of Transportation personnel who worked all night to try to keep access open to these affected areas.”

The governor’s emergency proclamation provides relief for damage caused by this weekend’s floods and landslides.  Authorities continue to monitor conditions across the state as the weather system makes its way south along the island chain.

At the same time, Adjutant General and Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency Director Arthur “Joe” Logan agreed to an initial commitment of Hawaiʻi National Guard personnel to work with county first responders in canvassing and assessing affected areas, and helicopters to assist in survey flights and rescues, if necessary.

Logan said the National Guard would continue to monitor conditions on Kauaʻi and confer with Kauaʻi County officials to determine what additional assistance may be needed.

HI-EMA Administrator Thomas L. Travis is working with Honolulu City and County Department of Emergency Management officials to determine what assets Oʻahu DEM can provide to assist Kauaʻi County.

Ige thanked the first responders and others who worked through the night to address the mounting challenges brought by the heavy rains. “This is a team effort,” Ige said. “Nobody goes through this kind of disaster alone.”

Red Cross Response:

American Red Cross volunteers opened shelters at Hanalei Elementary, Kapa‘a Middle School, and Church of the Pacific in Princeville at 8 p.m. on Saturday night for those affected by flash flooding and landslides on the north shore.

Air rescue operations have commenced on the North Shore area of Kauaʻi. The Kauaʻi Fire Department is coordinating with the US Coast Guard to provide air and search and rescue operations on the North Shore. A Honolulu Fire Department helicopter and rescue crew is being deployed to provide support. Red Cross has set up a reception center/shelter at the Church of the Pacific to receive evacuees from the North Shore.

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