Press Releases

Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3), along with U.S. Senators Mark Pryor and John Boozman and Congressmen Rick Crawford (AR-1), Tim Griffin (AR-2), and Tom Cotton (AR-4), today sent letters to President Obama and FEMA Administrator Fugate supporting Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe’s request for a disaster declaration following devastating snow and ice storms in the state.

The full text of the letters can be found below:

We are writing in support of Governor Mike Beebe’s request for a major disaster declaration for the following counties in Arkansas: Crawford, Franklin, Johnson, Logan, Madison, Marion, Newton, Polk, Scott, Searcy, Sebastian, Sharp, and Van Buren. 

Beginning on December 5, 2013, and continuing through December 8, 2013, these counties experienced overwhelming amounts of snow and ice.  The winter storms brought freezing rain and sleet that covered entire roadways and created hazardous conditions.  The winter storms caused power outages for 62,000 electrical customers, contributed to the loss of one life, and left the affected communities overwhelmed with tremendous amounts of storm debris. Preliminary assessments indicate that the most severe impact was to roadways and public facilities.

This year has been a particularly difficult year for Arkansans impacted by natural disasters, and Governor Beebe’s request is the fourth major disaster declaration request for Arkansas in 2013. The compounded nature of the disasters across the state makes recovery efforts particularly difficult. Arkansas is working tirelessly to mitigate loss and recover from the winter storm, but further assistance is needed.

Pursuant to the provision of Section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 5121-5207 (Stafford Act), and implemented by 44 CFR § 206.36, we ask that Arkansas receive a major disaster declaration for these counties due to the damage assessed.  We would also like to specifically request Public Assistance (Categories A-G) for the counties listed above and Hazard Mitigation statewide.

As you know, the State of Arkansas and its rural districts are working tirelessly to save lives and begin the process of cleaning up and ultimately rebuilding.  All available resources at the state and local level, including the Arkansas National Guard, are being used, but greater federal assistance is needed to help our communities recover.  Arkansas is a predominantly rural state and this series of disasters has exceeded the ability of our local government to respond.  The past several years have been particularly difficult for Arkansas residents due to numerous severe weather events.  We appreciate the financial assistance received as a result of several federal disaster and emergency declarations, many of which impacted the same communities still in the recovery process, and the quick, comprehensive response of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.  We hope that a similar response will follow this disaster. 

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