Arkansas Lawmakers Announce FEMA Disaster Assistance for State

Press Release

U.S. Senators Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor and Representatives Marion Berry (AR-01), Vic Snyder (AR-02) and Mike Ross (AR-04) today announced that 24 Arkansas counties will receive disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to help with recovery efforts from winter storms. President Obama declared Arkansas a major disaster area due to severe storms and flooding that occurred from December 23, 2009 to January 2, 2010.

The following counties are eligible for public assistance: Bradley, Calhoun, Clark, Clay, Cleveland, Craighead, Dallas, Drew, Grant, Greene, Hempstead, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lincoln, Lonoke, Miller, Monroe, Nevada, Ouachita, Poinsett, Prairie, White and Woodruff Counties.

"Arkansas has been hit hard this winter by storms and flooding, and our first responders and community members have answered the call by assisting in the recovery response," Lincoln said. "Responding to these storms and subsequent clean up has presented a huge financial burden to Arkansas, and I am pleased the federal government will help provide funds to our local communities. I will continue to fight to ensure that Arkansas receives the resources and support we need to stay strong."

"Cleaning up the damage from the December storms requires considerable time and manpower," Pryor said. "I'm pleased FEMA came through with federal resources to speed up recovery efforts and help local communities get back on their feet."

"We got torrential rain from before Christmas through New Year's that caused significant damage to roads and infrastructure. Our county judges try, with their limited resources, to get them restored as quickly and safely as possible" said Berry. "These funds will help them repair the damage and mitigate to the extent they can any future damage."

"It is unfortunate that severe weather has devastated many homes and businesses throughout Arkansas," said Snyder. "I am grateful these funds are being sent our way to help these communities recover."

"We all know the unpredictability of Arkansas weather, and unfortunately, many Arkansas farms, families and businesses suffered because of numerous recent severe weather events," said Ross. "Federal investments like this are crucial to helping our communities cope and I will continue working in our nation's capital to ensure we have the necessary resources to recover from whatever storms and natural disasters come our way."

All Arkansas counties are eligible to apply for federal funding on a cost-sharing basis under FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Program.