FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 29, 2009
Lincoln, Katie Laning, 202-224-4843
Pryor, Michael Teague, 501-324-6336
Ross, Brad Howard, 202-225-3772
                                                 

Lincoln, Pryor, Ross:  Ashley, Howard, Miller, Polk, and Sevier Counties Now Eligible for Additional Federal Disaster Assistance

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor along with U.S. Representative Mike Ross (AR-04) today announced that five Arkansas counties affected by severe storms and tornadoes that swept through the state on April 9, 2009, are now eligible for additional federal assistance.

Earlier this week, the White House announced a disaster declaration for the state of Arkansas that triggered the release of funds for individual assistance in Miller, Polk and Sevier Counties.  Due to the urging of Lincoln, Pryor and Ross, the Obama Administration amended their initial disaster declaration to include public assistance eligibility for Ashley, Howard, Miller, Polk and Sevier Counties.  Public assistance applies to state and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations for emergency work and for the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities.  All five counties also are eligible to apply for assistance under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. 

“Time and time again, Arkansans have demonstrated what it means to be a good neighbor by helping those in their hour of need,” Lincoln said. “I firmly believe the federal government has a critical role to play in our state’s recovery efforts. These disaster declarations will help secure funds for our recovery, and I will continue to work with local, state, and federal officials to ensure Arkansans receive the assistance they need.”

“These federal funds will support the ability of Southwest Arkansas to rebuild, recover and come out stronger than before,” Pryor said. “I appreciate the Administration’s consideration in helping these additional communities in need, and will continue to use my position on the Homeland Security Committee to ensure FEMA has the necessary resources and flexibility to respond adequately to areas hit hard by major disasters.”

“This declaration will provide critical federal support to our local governments as they rebuild their utilities and communities in order to resume normal operations as quickly as possible,” said Ross.  “I have been working closely with local, state and federal throughout the recovery process to expedite this process and I am pleased to see the President extend his original declaration.”

Governor Beebe originally submitted a federal disaster declaration request on April 14 and the Arkansas Congressional delegation contacted the Administration in support of the Governor’s request.  The Department of Homeland Security approved the Governor’s request on April 24.

The disaster declaration process begins at the state level when the Governor makes an official request to FEMA.  State and federal officials then conduct a preliminary damage assessment (PDA) to estimate the extent of the disaster and its impact on individuals and public facilities.  This information is included in the Governor's request to show that the disaster is of such severity and magnitude that effective response is beyond the capabilities of the state and the local governments and that federal assistance is necessary.  The request is then submitted to FEMA and must be approved by the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees FEMA, and then it must ultimately be signed by the President.

President Obama has made two previous disaster declarations this year for Arkansas on January 28 and on February 6.  The declarations were in response to severe winter weather storms that caused considerable damage throughout the northern half of the state.

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