Information for Arkansans Affected by April 9, 2009, Severe Weather

On April 9, 2009, severe weather, including tornadoes, struck parts of South Arkansas, killing Arkansans and causing damage to both private and public property.  Senator Lincoln believes the federal government has a role to play in Arkansas’s recovery efforts and is pleased that President Obama has provided federal disaster declarations for several Arkansas counties, triggering the release of federal funding.  More information on disaster assistance can be found below. 

Residents of Ashley, Miller, Polk, and Sevier Counties are eligible for Individual Assistance from FEMA and loans from the Small Business Administration (SBA).

Homeowners and renters may be eligible for assistance from FEMA with temporary housing and home repairs that are not covered under their home insurance policies.

Homeowners, renters and small business owners may be eligible for low interest loans from SBA to cover the cost of repairs or losses not covered by personal insurance.  In addition, small businesses may be eligible for Economic Injury loans through the SBA. 

Residents of Miller, Polk, and Sevier Counties are encouraged to apply for Individual Assistance through FEMA and/or SBA loans in-person at a local Disaster Recovery Center.  Representatives from FEMA, SBA, and the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management (ADEM) will be on site to assist Arkansans. 

Disaster Recovery Center locations:

Mena:  St Agnes Catholic Church, 203 East 8^th Street. (will close Friday, May 29, 2009)

DeQueen:  105 South 5^th Street. 

Crossett: Meridian Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, 4593 Ashley Street.

Applicants are advised to have the following information available:

•   A current phone number where you can be contacted;
•   Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying;
•  Your Social Security number, if available;
•   A general list of damages and losses; and
•   If insured, the insurance policy number, or the agent and company name.

Affected Arkansans also can call FEMA at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) to apply for assistance.  Individuals with hearing or speech impairments may call (TTY) 800-462-7585.  Arkansans can also contact SBA at 1-800-659-2955 or visit the SBA website to apply for SBA loans.  Filing deadlines for SBA loans are June 26, 2009 for physical damage, and January 27, 2010 for economic injury. 

The SBA plans to continue to assist those with SBA needs as it transitions to a Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) with a new location.

• The DLOC will open on Monday, June 1, at the Mena Fire Station #1, 603 DeQueen St., in Mena.
• Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.  Closed Saturdays and Sundays.
• Residents also can apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure Web site at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.
• SBA loan information and application forms may be obtained from SBA’s Customer Service Center by calling toll-free (800) 659‑2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s Web site at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance. Hearing-impaired individuals may call (800) 877‑8339.

Residents of Ashley, Howard, Miller, Pope and Sevier Counties are eligible for Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation Assistance from FEMA.

State and local governments, public entities and nonprofit organizations can apply for funds to repair, restore, reconstruct or replace public facilities or infrastructure.  FEMA and ADEM will contact the counties and conduct Applicant Briefings. 

News

Lincoln Pledges Support for Southwest Arkansas Communities Following Storms (4/10/09) – link to http://www.lincoln.senate.gov/newsroom/2009-4-10.cfm

Lincoln, Pryor, Ross:  Ashley, Howard, Miller, Polk, and Sevier Counties Now Eligible for Additional Federal Disaster Assistance (4/29/09) – link to: http://www.lincoln.senate.gov/newsroom/2009-04-29-5.cfm