Gov. Asa Hutchinson's office said Thursday that President Trump has granted the governor's request for a disaster declaration for the state after damage due to storms, tornadoes and flooding from April 26 to May 19.
The declaration will allow residents and governmental bodies in the area who meet certain criteria to apply for assistance, the governor's office said.
Assistance for individuals and households will be available in Benton, Boone, Carroll, Clay, Faulkner, Fulton, Jackson, Lawrence, Pulaski, Randolph, Saline, Washington and Yell counties. The Arkansas Department of Emergency Management said citizens affected in those counties can seek help at 1 (800) 621-3362 or DisasterAssistance.gov.
"This is welcome news for the Arkansas families and businesses who have been waiting patiently for relief from these disasters," Hutchinson said in a news release. "These emergency funds will provide much-needed relief that will help those coping with the aftermath of these storms to recover, rebuild and get back on their feet. I am especially appreciative of our federal delegation, and their support and assistance during this process."
Public assistance for emergency work and repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities will be available in Baxter, Benton, Boone, Carroll, Clay, Cleburne, Conway, Craighead, Cross, Faulkner, Independence, Izard, Jackson, Lawrence, Madison, Marion, Mississippi, Montgomery, Newton, Ouachita, Perry, Poinsett, Prairie, Randolph, Saline, Washington, White and Woodruff counties.
ADEM and the Federal Emergency Management Agency will soon announce plans to open offices in the affected areas to accept assistance applications, the governor's office said.