The Alabama Farmers Federation applauded final passage of a $19.1 billion disaster package by the U.S. House of Representatives June 3.

“Alabama farmers were hit hard by hurricanes, and families also have been devastated by tornadoes,” said Federation President Jimmy Parnell. “We thank Sen. Richard Shelby, Rep. Martha Roby and other members of Alabama’s congressional delegation for keeping these concerns at the forefront and President Trump for agreeing to sign this legislation.”

The bill provides aid for states affected by 2018 and 2019 disasters, as well as ongoing relief for disasters that occurred in 2017, including agriculture disaster relief for farmers; development grants for small, rural communities; assistance for veterans’ health facilities and military construction projects; emergency funds for timber, watershed and wastewater infrastructure needs; and resources to restore highways, aviation facilities and other transit projects.  

The Senate approved the disaster relief package May 23.

Roby, whose 2nd Congressional District was battered by Hurricane Michael, has been an outspoken advocate for disaster assistance. 

“For eight long months, farmers in the Wiregrass and throughout the Southeast have waited for disaster relief aid after Hurricane Michael devastated the region last October,” she said. “I am very proud that Congress has at last delivered this long-overdue assistance, and I am eager to see President Trump sign this bill into law to finally help the many Americans who have suffered extreme devastation in the wake of natural disasters across the country.”