Federal aid approved for Faulkner County

LITTLE ROCK — President Barack Obama has approved a major disaster declaration for an Arkansas county hit hardest by a tornado that killed 15 people.

Gov. Mike Beebe and the state's congressional delegation announced Tuesday that the Federal Emergency Management Agency designated Faulkner County a major disaster area. Beebe had requested the federal aid Monday, and the delegation earlier Tuesday asked the White House and FEMA to quickly approve the help.

With the designation, Arkansans will be eligible to apply for individual assistance to cover the costs of temporary housing, home repairs, disaster unemployment assistance, Small Business Administration low interest loans, medical expenses and other needs. Faulkner County will also be eligible to apply for public assistance for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities.

Congressional delegation comments on disaster declaration

U.S. Sen. Mark Pryor, D-Ark., said:

“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. 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.”

U.S. Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark., said:

“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."

U.S. Rep. Rick Crawford, R-Jonesboro, 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."

U.S. Rep. Tim Griffin, R-Little Rock, 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."

U.S. Rep. Steve Womack, R-Rogers, said:

“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."

U.S. Rep. Tom Cotton, R-Dardanelle, said:

“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."

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