President Donald Trump has approved Gov. Kay Ivey's request for an expedited major disaster declaration following the deadly tornado outbreak, Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Tuscaloosa) said Tuesday night. Shelby tweeted: "Excellent news – the President has granted @GovernorKayIvey’s request for an expedited major disaster declaration in Alabama. Thank you, @realDonaldTrump!" The move authorizes the release of FEMA funds to help people recover from the tornadoes that devastated Lee County.
Ivey issued the following statement:
“President Trump has been very gracious and pledged his unwavering support to Alabama since the devastating storms and tornadoes struck Alabama over the weekend. Twenty-three lives were lost and dozens of Alabamians were injured,” Governor Ivey said in a statement released by her office. “This is a difficult time for the state of Alabama, but knowing that we have this additional assistance, and the support of our president and folks across the country, we will get through this together. We will recover, and we will lift up Lee County in this time of need.”
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