Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders surveys tornado damage in Jacksonville, Arkansas, on Saturday, April 1, 2023. Photo credit: Randall Lee.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.—Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders today requested a 100 percent federal cost share for state and local resources spent on the first 30 days of debris cleanup and emergency protective measures in Pulaski, Lonoke, and Cross counties. The severe storms and tornadoes that struck Arkansas on March 31, 2023, caused horrific damage and created a significant financial burden for the communities impacted. 

“I’ve been across our state since Friday, surveying damage, meeting with survivors, and discussing recovery efforts with local leaders, emergency personnel, and volunteers. It’s clear that the cost to clean up the damage those storms created will be substantial,” said Governor Sanders.

“The federal government is currently covering 75 percent of all costs incurred during our recovery process, but that arrangement must go further to help Arkansans in need. Today, I’m asking the federal government to cover 100 percent of all our recovery expenses during the first 30 days after the storm.”