Arkansas Delegation Supports Governor’s Request for Increase in Federal Cost Share for May Storm Damage

WASHINGTON- U.S. Senators John Boozman and Tom Cotton-along with Congressmen Steve Womack, Rick Crawford, French Hill and Bruce Westerman-wrote to President Joe Biden urging him to support Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders' request for a 30-day, 100 percent federal cost share for counties affected by severe storms, flooding and tornadoes in May.

"Local officials of impacted jurisdictions have stated that significantly more resources and assistance is needed in order to restore these communities than preliminary damage assessments reported. Increasing the federal cost share to 100 percent from 75 percent will relieve the financial burden of recovery for these struggling communities and help them rebuild," members wrote.

The letter can be found here and below:

Dear Mr. President:

Thank you for the expedited Major Disaster Declaration in the wake of the devastating tornadoes and severe storms that caused widespread destruction and extensive damage in Arkansas. The State of Arkansas greatly appreciates your assistance and support to date.

On behalf of the State of Arkansas, we are writing to support Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders' request to increase the federal cost share for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance Categories A (Debris) and B (Emergency Protective Measures) up to 100 percent for the first thirty days. We firmly believe that an increase in the federal cost share is needed to effectively respond to a disaster of this magnitude.

The severity of the storms that occurred May 24-27, 2024, created disastrous amounts of debris, severe infrastructure damage, and resulted in the deaths of at least nine Arkansans and injured countless others. Local officials of impacted jurisdictions have stated that significantly more resources and assistance is needed in order to restore these communities than preliminary damage assessments reported. Increasing the federal cost share to 100 percent from 75 percent will relieve the financial burden of recovery for these struggling communities and help them rebuild.

As you know, Governor Sanders has activated all emergency resources, and the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management has coordinated with all appropriate state and federal agencies. While we are grateful for the support provided by our local first responders, county and state emergency management agencies, FEMA, and the White House, additional federal assistance will be vital in our restoration efforts.

The entire Arkansas delegation respectfully requests your swift consideration and approval of this request to ensure Arkansans' safety and recovery efforts. Thank you for your support. If you have any questions or need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

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