WASHINGTON D.C. – U.S. Senators Mark Pryor and John Boozman, along with Congressmen Rick Crawford (AR-1), Tim Griffin (AR-2), Steve Womack (AR-3), and Tom Cotton (AR-4) today sent a letter to President Obama and FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate supporting Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe’s request for a disaster declaration for Central Arkansas following severe December snow storms and widespread power outages.

The full text of the delegation’s letter 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 the State of Arkansas: Garland, Grant, Hot Spring, Lonoke, Perry, Pulaski, and Saline Counties.

Beginning on December 25, 2012 and ending on December 26, 2012, these counties experienced a severe winter storm which led to three deaths and over 260,000 power outages. As we see in many crises, people have come to the aid of their neighbors, 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) and Hazard Mitigation Statewide.

As you know, the State of Arkansas and its rural districts are working tirelessly to assist citizens 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 governments 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. 

We respectfully request your swift consideration and approval of this request.  If you have any questions or need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact us.