Gov. Henry Seeks Individual Assistance for Ice Storm

Office of Governor Brad Henry

State of Oklahoma

State Capitol - Oklahoma City OK 73105

405-521-2342

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Jan. 9, 2008

Oklahoma City -- Gov. Brad Henry has asked federal authorities to provide individual assistance to Oklahomans impacted by December’s catastrophic ice storm. While the initial request is for Oklahoma and Tulsa counties, more counties will be added to the request if individual assistance is approved.

"Many Oklahomans across the state are still suffering from the aftermath of the ice storm that left more than 640,000 homes and businesses without power, many for more than a week," the Governor said.

"The devastating storm took 29 lives and damaged hundreds of homes and businesses. Additionally, we know thousands of Oklahomans went without income because their place of employment was closed due to storm-related power outages. Oklahomans deserve help, and we are doing everything in our power to ensure they get the assistance they need."

If the federal authorities approve individual assistance for the requested counties, Oklahomans who suffered uninsured storm-related damage in those areas would be eligible for assistance for housing repairs or temporary housing, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest loans for individuals and businesses to repair or replace damaged property, disaster unemployment assistance, and grants for serious needs and necessary disaster expenses not met by other programs.

As damage to homes and businesses is confirmed for other areas of the state, Gov. Henry said he will request that other counties be added to the declaration as conditions warrant.

President Bush last month granted Gov. Henry’s request for public assistance to 25 counties impacted by the storm. Under that declaration, federal assistance is available for expenses related to infrastructure damage including roads, bridges and public facilities, as well as the costs of debris removal.

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