Gallego Calls on Administration to Approve Major Disaster Declaration for Havasupai Tribe

Gallego Calls on Administration to Approve Major Disaster Declaration for Havasupai Tribe

PHOENIX - Today, Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03)sent a letter to President Biden calling on his administration to approve the Havasupai Tribe's request for a major disaster declaration in response to the recent severe flooding on their reservation.

On August 22nd, severe flash flooding at Havasu Creek inundated Supai Village on the Havasupai reservation, requiring the rescue and evacuation of over one hundred tribal members and tourists. The flooding resulted in significant damage to bridges, homes, roads, campgrounds, and trails as well as challenges to emergency response due to limited trail access to the reservation, and the Tribe has declared a state of emergency.

"I appreciate your administration's quick response, as FEMA staff were on the ground in a matter of days to begin assessing the damage, and the National Park Service immediately assisted with search and rescue efforts," Rep. Gallego wrote. "Further providing the resources unlocked through a major disaster declaration will be crucial in rebuilding homes, fortifying tribal resources, and ensuring the resilience of Havasupai communities after this devastating flood."

Full text of the letter can be found HERE.