WASHINGTON — Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds formally wrote to President Donald J. Trump on April 20 urging expedited approval of a Major Disaster Declaration for the CNMI following Typhoon Sinlaku and calling for the federal cost share to be set at 100 percent for all eligible emergency and permanent work.
In the letter, King-Hinds argued that the CNMI’s remote geography, limited local resources and narrow economic base make a full federal cost share both appropriate and necessary. She said supply chain challenges, high transportation costs and limited access to specialized personnel and equipment compound recovery costs beyond what comparable mainland disasters would face.
“Providing a 100 percent federal cost share will ensure that critical response and recovery efforts are not delayed or diminished due to fiscal constraints at the local level,” King-Hinds wrote.
King-Hinds also urged FEMA to give Governor David M. Apatang’s request full, fair and prompt consideration. The letter was copied to FEMA Region IX Regional Administrator Robert J. Fenton Jr.
The letter preceded King-Hinds’ announcement Tuesday that DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin has signed off on the declaration request, with the package now on the president’s desk awaiting final approval.
