Little Rock, Arkansas – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has formally requested a 30-day, 100% federal cost share from President Joe Biden to aid in the recovery efforts for the counties impacted by the severe storms, flooding, and tornadoes that began on May 24, 2024. This disaster caused extensive damage to infrastructure, left large amounts of debris, and damaged hundreds of homes.
In her request, Governor Sanders emphasized the financial relief that a federal cost share adjustment from 75% to 100% would bring to the affected communities. “A federal cost share adjustment to 100%, up from 75%, will relieve the financial burden of recovery for the struggling communities,” said Governor Sanders. “If approved, these resources will help our communities come back even stronger.”
The counties included in this request are Baxter, Benton, Boone, Carroll, Fulton, Madison, Marion, Nevada, Randolph, and Sharp. The full letter detailing the request is available online.
Previously, Sanders had requested a Major Disaster Declaration from the President, which was granted following the severe weather that impacted these regions. The declaration has already provided some federal assistance, but the increased support requested aims to further alleviate the financial strain on local governments and expedite the recovery process.
These counties have been struggling to manage the overwhelming damage and costs associated with the disaster. The increased federal support would significantly aid in addressing the urgent needs for debris removal, infrastructure repair, and housing recovery.
The request highlights the ongoing efforts by the state government to ensure that affected communities receive the necessary support to rebuild and recover efficiently. The governor’s office remains committed to working closely with federal agencies to secure the resources needed for a robust recovery.
Residents and local officials in the affected areas are hopeful that the request will be approved, bringing much-needed financial relief and support to the communities as they work to recover from the devastating impacts of the storms and flooding.
For more details and updates on the recovery efforts, please visit the official state website or contact the governor’s office directly.
