Local Entities To Be Briefed On Assistance 

Release Date: July 8, 2004
Release Number: 1528-003

» More Information on Arkansas Severe Storms and Flooding

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. -- Beginning Friday, local government officials, as well as representatives from certain private, non-profit organizations, can learn about federal and state disaster recovery help during a series of briefings being conducted across the area.

On June 30, 2004, President George W. Bush authorized a major disaster declaration that covers damage to public property in 12 counties as a result of severe storms and flooding in southwestern Arkansas that began on May 30. Funding may be available to state agencies, local governments and certain nonprofit agencies providing government-like services.

Assistance can include disaster aid in the form of reimbursement for debris removal, emergency protective measures, and costs to repair or replace roads, bridges and other public facilities damaged by the severe storms and flooding that began May 30.

The following counties are eligible for federal funding to pay state and affected local governments 75 percent of the approved costs for debris removal, emergency services related to the disaster, and the restoration of damaged public facilities: Bradley, Calhoun, Clark, Columbia, Hempstead, Howard, Lafayette, Little River, Nevada, Ouachita, Pike, and Sevier.

Applicant briefings for local officials and representatives of nonprofit organizations will be held at the following locations and times:

Friday, July 9, 2:00 p.m. Monday, July 12, 10:00 a.m. Monday, July 12, 2:30 p.m.
Howard County Courthouse
421 N.Main
Nashville, AR 71852 		Univ. of Arkansas Community College at Hope Auditorium
2500 S. Main
Hope, AR 71801 		Camden Police Department
#1 Police Drive
Camden, AR 71701

On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.

Last Modified: Thursday, 08-Jul-2004 13:15:50