Arkansas Receives Disaster Declaration

Seven counties in Arkansas have been declared a federal disaster area as a result of the severe winter storm that occurred December 25-26, Gov. Mike Beebe's office announced Tuesday afternoon. The counties included in the declaration are Garland, Grant, Hot Spring, Lonoke, Perry, Pulaski, and Saline.

The declaration is for Public Assistance which includes assistance for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities in those counties. Also included in the assistance available in the declaration is the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (assistance for actions taken to prevent or reduce long term risk to life and property from natural hazards.)

All counties in the state are eligible to apply for assistance under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. Additional information will be forthcoming. Persons may continue to monitor the situation on the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management (ADEM) webpage at www.adem.arkansas.gov