Polk County Designated For FEMA Public Assistance Aid

FIVE Arkansas Disaster-Affected Counties Designated For FEMA Public Assistance Aid
Release Date: April 29, 2009 From fema.gov

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LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announces that Public Assistance disaster aid, for state and local governments, has been added (under the presidential declaration of April 27) to include the disaster-affected counties of Ashley, Howard, Miller, Polk, and Sevier.

This additional aid was approved following a review of damage data gathered by federal and state disaster recovery officials. Under Monday's presidential declaration, Miller, Polk and Sevier counties were designated for aid to individuals, families and business owners. They now join Ashley and Howard counties for this Public Assistance aid.

Under FEMA'S Public Assistance Program, state and local governments, along with certain non-profits, may apply for federal funds to pay 75 percent of the approved costs for debris removal, emergency protective services related to the disaster, and eligible costs for repairing or replacing damaged public facilities, such as roads, buildings and utilities.

"Our continuing commitment is not only to help meet the recovery needs of devastated families and businesses," said Mike Moore, who is heading up the federal recovery, " but to ensure that the vital community services they also depend on are restored, repaired or rebuilt as quickly and efficiently as possible."

Procedures for requesting the assistance will be explained at a series of applicant briefings for local officials at locations to be announced by state disaster officials.

FEMA leads and supports the nation in a risk-based, comprehensive emergency management system of preparedness, protection, response, recovery, and mitigation, to reduce the loss of life and property and protect the nation from all hazards including natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters.