LITTLE ROCK — Seven Arkansas counties were declared federal disaster areas Tuesday afternoon, allowing for federal government assistance.
Garland, Grant, Hot Spring, Lonoke, Perry, Pulaski and Saline counties were deemed to need federal help in the effort to clean up after the Christmas Day winter storm that knocked out power to hundreds of thousands across the state and caused an unknown amount in damage.
The declaration for public assistance was announced in a news release Tuesday from the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management. A release from the White House also confirmed the news.
With the federal assistance, the aforementioned counties will receive help for emergency work, including the repair or replacement of damaged facilities.
The declaration also includes assistance through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, which provides assistance for taking precautions to prevent or reduce any long-term risk to lives or property due to natural hazards, for those counties listed.
The release states that all Arkansas counties are eligible to apply for assistance through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.