LITTLE ROCK, Ark.— The President approved Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ request for a presidential Major Disaster Declaration in response to Arkansas’ June 25th storms. Governor Sanders requested the declaration on August 23rd.
“Central Arkansas and the Delta are still picking up the pieces left by June’s severe storms. My administration determined that these storms caused enough damage to qualify our state for federal disaster assistance, and I’m thankful that the federal government agrees. These funds will help state and local officials continue the rebuilding process and speed us to full recovery,” said Governor Sanders.
The President approved Public Assistance for Arkansas, Faulkner, Lonoke, and Poinsett counties, and also made funds available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide. The Governor’s request for Individual Assistance is still under review.
In late June, severe storms and straight-line winds caused extensive damage to private property and public facilities in jurisdictions across Arkansas. A joint state and FEMA preliminary damage assessment began on July 24th, 2023, and determined that the storm caused enough damage for communities to qualify for FEMA’s Public Assistance Program.