Arkansas is seeking to deny the Trump administration’s federal assistance for the state’s recovery from a series of devastating and lethal tornado storms.
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R-ARK) requested aid for those impacted by the tornado in mid-March. Since 1997.
The Trump administration has rejected Sanders’ appeals for fundraising via the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). She reached out to Trump again sending a denial.
In a letter co-signed by an Arkansas Senator along with four representatives, they urged Trump to reassess his decision.
“As noted by Governor Sanders in her appeal, these storms inflicted catastrophic damage across the state, leading to substantial debris, widespread destruction of homes and businesses, three fatalities, and numerous injuries,” the lawmakers stated.
They indicated that shortly after, another severe storm struck the state, worsening many damages in the same county and leading to a “generational flood event” that resulted in three additional deaths.
“Considering the accumulated impact and severity of the destruction from these intense weather events, federal assistance is crucial to ensure that state and local communities can rebuild,” the lawmakers stated.
The Arkansas delegation reported that an estimated cost of $8.8 million for an initial damage assessment has been approved for Sanders’ request for a 30-day extension on the disaster declaration filing. The state requires extra time to conduct damage evaluations in 63 of its 75 counties, they noted.
“The Arkansas delegation is keen to provide assistance to facilitate a swift assessment of these requests,” the group concluded.
The denial has surfaced amid criticisms aimed at FEMA by the Trump administration. The president has consistently critiqued the agency, even during his campaign and early presidential days.
Homeland Security Secretary Christie Noem suggested in late March plans to “eliminate” FEMA, which Trump described as “great.” In January, the president mentioned intentions to sign an executive order to radically reform the agency or potentially dismantle it entirely.
In a response regarding another Arkansas assistance request, Sanders emphasized that her support in the state’s rebuilding efforts was “critical.”
“I am formally requesting a denial of personal aid,” she wrote in her letter to Trump. “I urge your consideration of the serious challenges Arkansas residents have faced over the past month.”
