Lt. Governor Dewhurst Requests Major Disaster Declaration from the Federal Government

AUSTIN—Today, Lt. Governor David Dewhurst issued the following statement after requesting a federal Major Disaster Declaration for the State of Texas:

"I've been working very closely with Governor Perry and our emergency personnel, and we're doing everything we can – using all of the state resources at our disposal to contain these wildfires, ensure public safety and protect Texans' lives and property.

"Because so many fires are burning across the state, our resources are spread pretty thin. That's why we need the federal government to step up to the plate immediately.

"We need to cut through the red tape and get Texas the help we need today. There are federal resources – including aircraft, bulldozers and other heavy equipment – that can and should be made available right away."