Members of Alabama’s congressional delegation are supporting Gov. Robert Bentley’s request for a federal disaster declaration following last week’s tornadoes.

The entire delegation sent a letter Tuesday to President Obama seeking the declaration, which would free up federal funding to help with recovery.

“The Alabama Emergency Management Agency has provided us with the details of the extensive property damage, numerous injuries, and deaths. The Governor has also communicated to us that the severity and magnitude is beyond the capabilities of the state and affected local governments. As you know, Alabama was struck by a series of tornadoes that were among the worst in the state’s history in April and these most recent storms have only caused further strain on state and local resources,” the letter stated.

The assistance would benefit storm victims in Chilton, Jefferson and Perry counties. The federal aid would include grants for temporary housing, financing for home repairs not covered by insurance, low-cost loans for uninsured property losses as well as other programs.

Bentley announced Jan. 27 that 1,500 homes suffered some degree of damage in the Jan. 23 outbreak.