Six Arkansas Counties Added For Public Assistance Disaster Aid
Release Date: February 11, 2009
Release Number: 1819-004
» More Information on Arkansas Severe Winter Storm
NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management announced today that six additional counties are now eligible for disaster Public Assistance to help with recovery from the severe winter storms of Jan. 26-30. This brings the total number of designated counties to 29.
Federal Coordinating Officer Mike Moore said the assistance was approved following a review of damage reports gathered by federal and state disaster recovery officials.
The counties added to the disaster declaration are Cleburne, Conway, Crawford, Cross, Poinset, and Randolph. These counties join Baxter, Benton, Boone, Carroll, Clay, Craighead, Franklin, Fulton, Greene, Independence, Izard, Jackson, Johnson, Lawrence, Madison, Marion, Mississippi, Newton, Searcy, Sharp, Stone, Van Buren, and Washington counties previously designated.
The Public Assistance Program reimburses local governments, state agencies and certain private non-profits (that provide public services) for 75 percent of eligible costs.
These counties are now eligible for reimbursement for storm costs, including:
- Debris removal costs
- Emergency protective measures
- Repair/replacement of damaged roads and bridges
- Repair/replacement of water control facilities
- Repair/replacement of public buildings and their contents
- Repair/replacement of publicly owned utilities
- Repair/replacement of parks and recreation areas
Applicant briefings to begin the application process are scheduled at various locations within the disaster-designated areas. Qualifying agencies will be notified by the state.
FEMA leads and supports the nation in a risk-based, comprehensive emergency management system of preparedness, protection, response, recovery, and mitigation, to reduce the loss of life and property and protect the nation from all hazards including natural disasters, acts of terrorism and man-made disasters.
Last Modified: Thursday, 12-Feb-2009 08:24:38