Arkansas Delegation: Disaster Designation Will Help Mayflower and Vilonia Get Back on Their Feet

Statement

U.S. Senators Mark Pryor and John Boozman, along with Congressmen Rick Crawford (AR-1), Tim Griffin (AR-2), Steve Womack (AR-3), and Tom Cotton (AR-4) today announced that FEMA has designated Faulkner County a major disaster area to help Arkansans recover from losses caused by Sunday night's storms. Earlier today, the Arkansas delegation sent a letter to FEMA and the President in support of Governor Beebe's request.

"Despite losing their homes, belongings, or even their loved ones, Arkansans impacted by these terrible storms aren't giving up. That's because Arkansans understand the importance of coming together and pitching in to get our state back on its feet," Pryor said. "I appreciate Administrator Fugate for coming to our state and approving these funds so Arkansans can begin the rebuilding process. Once again, we're reminded of the importance of supporting disaster relief funding."

"Mayflower and Vilonia residents deserve to have the resources they need to recover from this tragedy. I appreciate the quick response from FEMA. My office and I will continue to work with the agency, the governor's office and the delegation to make sure Arkansans get the assistance they need to rebuild," Boozman said.

"As the families in Faulkner County continue to recuperate from the tornado that struck their communities on Sunday night I am thankful that federal assistance can begin to find its way to those whose needs are greatest in the wake of this tragedy. I will continue to work with my colleagues in the Arkansas delegation as we work to address further needs of Arkansans in the days and weeks ahead," Crawford said.

"Vilonia, Mayflower and other parts of Faulkner County need critical assistance after the damage and devastation caused by the storm. I am grateful for the decision to designate Faulkner County a major disaster area, which will provide needed resources to Arkansans in Vilonia and Mayflower. As we work to rebuild our communities, we continue to pray for the families affected, especially those who lost loved ones," said Griffin.

"The devastation from Sunday's storms is unimaginable, and now, those impacted must begin to put their lives back together and rebuild their communities. As they do so, I'm grateful these Arkansans will be able to receive the assistance they desperately need," said Womack.

"I applaud FEMA's swift action in this matter. The Arkansas delegation is united in a spirit of bipartisan cooperation, doing everything in our power to help the people of Central Arkansas recover from these storms. We will do all we can to cut through the red tape and make relief available as quickly as possible," said Cotton.

Under this designation, Arkansans will be eligible to apply for Individual Assistance to cover the costs of temporary housing, home repairs and replacement, housing construction, transportation, food commodities and coupons, crisis counseling, disaster unemployment assistance, legal services, Small Business Administration low interest loans, and medical, dental, and funeral expenses. Faulkner County will also 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.