Federal Disaster Funds Ordered For Oklahoma Ice Storm
Release Date: February 1, 2002
Release Number: HQ-02-008a
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Washington, DC -- Federal disaster funds were made available today for Oklahoma to supplement state and local response efforts for the crippling winter ice storm that hit the state beginning January 30, according to the head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
FEMA Director Joe M. Allbaugh said the assistance was authorized under a major disaster declaration issued by President Bush following a review of the agency's analysis of the state's expedited request for federal aid.
Under the declaration, Allbaugh said the state and affected local governments in 28 counties are eligible to apply for federal funding to pay 75 percent of the approved cost for debris removal and emergency services related to the storm, including requested emergency work undertaken by the federal government.
The counties designated for the assistance by Allbaugh following the declaration include Alfalfa, Beaver, Beckham, Blaine, Caddo, Canadian, Cimarron, Custer, Dewey, Ellis, Garfield, Grant, Harper, Kay, Kingfisher, Logan, Major, Noble, Oklahoma, Osage, Pawnee, Payne, Roger Mills, Texas, Washington, Washita, Woods and Woodward.
Allbaugh said the declaration also makes cost-shared funding available to the state for approved projects that reduce future disaster risks. He indicated that more counties and additional forms of federal assistance may be designated later based on the results of ongoing damage assessments.
James Roche of FEMA was named by Allbaugh to coordinate federal relief operations. Roche said that procedures for requesting assistance will be explained at a series of applicant briefings at locations to be announced shortly in the affected areas.
Last Modified: Monday, 25-Aug-2003 12:01:03