July 19, 2024
NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Arkansas Division of Emergency Management (ADEM) Director A.J. Gary and Deputy Director Jodi Lee presented to U.S. Small Business Administrator (SBA) Isabel Guzman and Associate Administrator for SBA’s Office of Disaster Recovery, Francisco Sánchez Jr., during their visit to Northwest Arkansas on July 18, 2024.
Administrator Guzman was joined by Congressman Steve Womack, members of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), state representatives, city officials, and local entities at the Northwest Arkansas Community College (NWACC) in Bentonville for a luncheon and briefing on the recovery process from the May 24-27, 2024, severe weather disaster. Guzman was also able to tour the Benton County Disaster Recovery Center, which is located in the Becky Paneitz Student Center at NWACC.
Gary and Lee spoke about our state’s quick response to the disaster during the initial days and how important it was to begin assessing the damaged areas in order for survivors to receive the assistance they so desperately needed.
On Monday, May 27, 2024, Arkansas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Secretary Colonel Mike Hagar and Gary joined Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, local leaders, and members of the Arkansas Congressional Delegation for a tour of impacted areas. By Wednesday, May 29, 2024, Governor Sanders had requested a Major Disaster Declaration from President Joe Biden. It was approved the next day.
As of July 18, 2024, FEMA has provided $5.7 million to Arkansans impacted by the disaster. They have received over 5,700 registrations for Individual Assistance, with an average approval amount of $6,900 per household. SBA has received approximately 534 applications for assistance and has approved $12,984,800 for individuals and businesses.
The deadline to apply for Individual Assistance through FEMA is Wednesday, August 28, 2024.
The deadline to apply for assistance with the SBA is Wednesday, August 28, 2024, for businesses and individuals who received physical damage to their property. Businesses and individuals who received only economic injury may apply for assistance through the SBA until Monday, March 3, 2025.
The Arkansas Division of Emergency Management (ADEM) is the state’s homeland security and preparedness agency. The agency works to identify and lessen the effects of emergencies, disasters and threats to Arkansas by developing effective prevention, preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery actions for all disasters and emergencies. For additional information, contact ADEM at (501) 683-6700 or visit the website at www.adem.arkansas.gov.