Governor Jan Brewer, State Emergency Council Approve Additional Funds for Disaster Relief and Recovery

Press Release

Governor Jan Brewer this afternoon convened the State Emergency Council to consider and, ultimately, approve the allocation of $1 million from the Governor's Emergency Fund to cover state-share costs accrued in performance of life-safety works in response to the massive January winter storm that struck Arizona. It is the first time in nearly 20 years that a governor has personally attended a meeting of the State Emergency Council.

"The State's response was immediate, necessary and thoughtful," said Governor Brewer. "Today's pledge of continued State support allows us to resolve our portion of the bills and get to the business of further statewide recovery."

Response efforts for the Hopi Tribe and Navajo Nation were named Operation Winter Storm and pooled the resources of federal, state and local agencies. Over nine days, 42,500 meals, 21,780 gallons of water, 279 cots, 5,475 blankets and over 800 wood bundles were delivered by air and ground transport.

President Obama approved Governor Brewer's request for an Emergency Declaration in support of debris removal and emergency protective measures for the Hopi Tribe and Navajo Nation on January 24. The Emergency Declaration authorized the provision of appropriate assistance to save lives; protect property, public health and safety; and prevent catastrophe. Resulting expenses are split among the involved political jurisdictions.

The Declaration of Emergency signed on January 21 released $200,000 from the Governor's Emergency Fund to the Arizona Division of Emergency Management (ADEM) director to finance immediate response and recovery activities to protect life and property across the State.

"ADEM Director Lou Trammell and his experienced team have been working very hard to address the impacts of this storm, and they are prepared to continue their diligence in the coming months," said Governor Brewer.

Pursuant to the Arizona Revised Statutes, a majority vote from the 12-person State Emergency Council is necessary to approve funds beyond the initial $200,000.

The State Emergency Council consists of the Governor, the Secretary of State, the Attorney General, the Adjunct General, and directors of the Division of Emergency Management, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Health Services, the Department of Environmental Quality, the Department of Public Safety, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Administration and the Department of Water Resources, or an appointed surrogate. The President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives occupy advisory positions.

The State continues to perform field Preliminary Damage Assessments (PDA) of residential and commercial property and public infrastructure in the 11 counties that declared an emergency subsequent to last month's weather. ADEM will summarize the information taken from the PDA before reporting to the Governor, who then tenders an official request for a Major Disaster Declaration to the President.

Visit the Arizona Emergency Information Network website, www.azein.gov, for real-time incident updates, preparedness and hazard information, and multimedia resources.

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