U.S. Senators Mark Pryor and John Boozman, along with Congressmen Rick Crawford (AR-1), Tim Griffin (AR-2), and Steve Womack (AR-3) today announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has declared Arkansas a disaster area, allowing the state to receive financial assistance to recover from severe storms.
"After Arkansas was hit with severe storms this spring, we saw an outpouring of support from neighbors, churches, and first responders. But more help was needed," Pryor said. "This designation gives our state the resources it needs to help rebuild, recover, and move forward."
"I am pleased by the Administration's quick response and approval of Arkansas's request. The recent storms that have hit Arkansas have caused significant damages in many communities. Disaster assistance will move the rebuilding forward and help Arkansans, some whom have lost everything to the recent extreme weather, get back on their feet," Boozman said.
"I am proud to announce this disaster assistance for the state of Arkansas. Our constituents have displayed remarkable resilience through devastating storms and flooding. This declaration from FEMA will bring much-needed financial assistance to Arkansas as we seek to rebuild and grow," said Crawford.
"This assistance will help those affected by recent storms recover and move forward. I am pleased that FEMA acted quickly to help these families," Griffin said.
"This disaster declaration is welcomed news to Arkansans. The devastating storms this spring caused more damage than our state and local governments have been able to handle, and FEMA's assistance will be instrumental to a quick and complete recovery," said Womack.
Under this designation, Cleburne, Cross, Independence, Montgomery, Poinsett, Polk, Scott, Searcy, Stone, Van Buren, and Woodruff counties will be eligible to apply for Public Assistance for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities. All Arkansas counties will also be eligible to apply for assistance under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, which helps prevent or reduce long-term risks to life and property.