Representative Steve Knight, CA-25, wrote a letter to President Trump on Monday urging him to declare a federal emergency in order to address threats to public safety caused by recent rainstorms and flooding.

The request comes after a series of severe storms in Southern California that caused flooding, rock and mudslides, erosion, debris flow, and the destruction of roads and highways. According to Knight, over the last three months Los Angeles County has estimated costs close to $100 million for protective measures, response and recovery activities related to the atmospheric rivers in Southern California.

“I respectfully ask that you act rapidly in order to ensure that appropriate federal agencies are able to provide Southern California the needed assistance to restore safety and minimize the impact of this challenging situation. ,” said Knight in his letter.

Late last month, California Governor Jerry Brown declared a state of emergency for 50 of California’s counties, and Knight is now urging the President to follow suit. If his request is granted, a declaration would immediately direct federal resources to help communities respond to and recover from the damage due to three consecutive months of extraordinary rainfall.

Read the full letter below.