ARKANSAS, USA — On Monday, in an effort to support ongoing recovery efforts in the many Arkansas communities impacted by severe weather during January and February— Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders made a request for a Major Disaster Declaration.
"The sheer magnitude of this event created disastrous amounts of debris, caused extensive power outages, and resulted in the death of two Arkansans and the injury of many others." Governor Sanders said in a statement. "We have determined that these storms are of such severity and magnitude that effective response is beyond the capabilities of the State and affected local governments and that supplementary federal assistance is necessary. Thirteen hard-hit Arkansas counties have sustained significant damage to infrastructure, businesses, agriculture, and property – and we must provide these Arkansans with the assistance they need to fully recover.”
A damage assessment of Arkansas has been completed and Gov. Sanders is requesting Hazard Mitigation across the state and public assistance for:
- Bradley
- Calhoun
- Cleveland
- Dallas
- Desha
- Drew
- Grant
- Jefferson
- Lincoln
- Nevada
- Ouachita
- Searcy
- Stone Counties
She made this request to President Biden after thousands of people across the state suffered from various power outages, damage to infrastructure, and even deaths.
Senators John Boozman and Tom Cotton, as well as Congressmen Rick Crawford, French Hill, Steve Womack, and Bruce Westerman also wrote a letter to President Biden where they urged his support in Gov. Sanders' request.
“Arkansans have demonstrated resourcefulness and resilience during this challenging time. But as it stands, we believe the magnitude of this weather event warrants supplemental federal assistance. The above-mentioned counties have seen homes, businesses, and important infrastructure severely damaged, and federal government resources will be critical in our restoration efforts,” members wrote in the letter.