Little Rock, Arkansas – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced the amendment of Disaster Declaration DR 24-02 to further support communities across Arkansas that are still recovering from severe storms and flooding that occurred on January 22, 2024. Through Executive Order E.O. 24-14, the governor approved $410,461.59 from the Governor’s Disaster Response and Recovery Fund to be allocated for recovery efforts under the Public Assistance Program.
Addressing the Aftermath of Severe Weather
The storms that struck Arkansas on January 22 caused extensive damage to public infrastructure and properties, creating hardship for many communities throughout the state. Governor Sanders’ executive order acknowledges the significant challenges faced by citizens and public institutions affected by these events. “Adverse circumstances have been brought to bear upon citizens and public properties in Arkansas,” the order states, calling for additional resources to help communities recover.
Following the storm, the governor declared several counties as disaster areas under DR 24-02, issued on May 6, 2024. As the recovery process continues, the latest amendment ensures that state funds will support these ongoing efforts, helping local governments and agencies rebuild and restore normalcy.
Funding Distribution and Oversight
The newly allocated funds will be administered through the Public Assistance Program. The order authorizes the Director of the Arkansas Division of Emergency Management to use the $410,461.59 to cover both program-related and administrative expenses. This funding is intended to ensure timely recovery efforts in areas still dealing with the impact of the severe storms.
The governor’s executive order highlights the importance of this state intervention to supplement local recovery efforts: “Certain political subdivisions require supplemental assistance from the state to recover from these losses.”
Commitment to Long-Term Recovery
Governor Sanders emphasized that the amended declaration reflects the state’s ongoing commitment to rebuilding affected communities and supporting their recovery. This executive action demonstrates how the state is working to assist its residents in overcoming the lingering effects of the storm, prioritizing both immediate and long-term recovery solutions.
This latest action ensures that state resources are effectively utilized to address both structural damage and community needs. As the recovery continues, the government aims to restore public services and infrastructure to pre-disaster conditions as quickly as possible.
