LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders today requested a Major Disaster Declaration from President Joe Biden to support ongoing recovery efforts in communities impacted by the tornadoes on Friday, March 31, which caused severe infrastructure damage, overwhelming amounts of debris, and hundreds of damaged dwellings.

“Today, I visited communities hit by yesterday’s tornadoes and saw firsthand the destruction this storm wreaked across our state. Our first responders, law enforcement, volunteers, and state and local leaders are working tirelessly to help Arkansans recover,” said Governor Sanders. “Following my conversation with President Biden this morning and after surveying damage today, I submitted a formal request for a Presidential Disaster Declaration. If one is issued, then it will free up significant federal resources to help Arkansans rebuild. I look forward to hearing back from the President soon and will remain in close contact with our federal partners throughout our disaster response process.”

With the damage assessment process now complete, Governor Sanders is specifically requesting:

Individual assistance and public assistance categories A and B for Cross, Lonoke, and Pulaski Counties

Direct federal assistance

Hazard Mitigation statewide