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PRESS RELEASE

WASHINGTON— U.S. Senators John Boozman and Tom Cotton—along with Congressmen Rick Crawford, French Hill, Steve Womack and Bruce Westerman—wrote to President Joe Biden urging him to support Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ request for an additional 30 days of 100 percent federal cost share for state and local resources as communities continue to clean up from March 31, 2023 severe storms and tornadoes in Cross, Lonoke and Pulaski counties.

“Substantial and widespread damage from the event remains, and we firmly believe an extension of the increased federal cost share is needed. The additional assistance will move rebuilding efforts forward and help Arkansas families and small businesses get back on their feet,” the members wrote.

The letter can be found here and below:

Dear Mr. President,

Thank you again for the expedited Major Disaster Declaration and the 100 percent federal cost share adjustment under the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance program. We greatly appreciate your assistance and support in the wake of the devastating tornadoes and storms that crossed Arkansas on March 31, 2023.

On behalf of the state of Arkansas, we are writing to support Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ request to extend the adjusted federal cost share for an additional 30-day period for costs associated with FEMA Public Assistance Categories A (Debris) and B (Emergency Protective Measures). Substantial and widespread damage from the event remains, and we firmly believe an extension of the increased federal cost share is needed. The estimated total in the counties for Category A is $24,817,600 and the estimated total for Category B is $15,635,000. In Wynne alone, the two categories are estimated at $21,700,000. Categories A and B make up 56.53 percent of the total estimated damage costs for the entire disaster. The City of Wynne continues to face immense challenges in its recovery and restoration efforts, due to the costs associated with the devastation of the Wynne High School.

As you know, Governor Sanders has activated all emergency resources, and the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management continues to coordinate with all appropriate state agencies. Communities across Arkansas have been working tirelessly to clean up and begin to rebuild. The additional assistance will move rebuilding efforts forward and help Arkansas families and small businesses get back on their feet.

The entire Arkansas delegation respectfully requests your swift consideration and approval of this request. Thank you once again for your support. If you have any questions or need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact us.