NEWS RELEASE
Office of Governor Brad Henry
State of Oklahoma
State Capitol – Oklahoma City OK 73105
405-521-2342

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – May 23, 2008

Oklahoma City – Gov. Brad Henry announced this evening that federal authorities have approved his request for federal disaster assistance to individuals and businesses in Craig, Latimer and Pittsburg counties impacted by the May 10 tornadoes.

The approval for individual assistance in the three counties comes only hours after the Governor made the request. The designation ensures federal 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.

“I am extremely pleased that FEMA wasted no time granting my request for Oklahomans in these three counties hard-hit by the tornadoes and severe weather from earlier this month,” Gov Henry said.

“The tornadoes that smashed through Eastern Oklahoma caused serious damage and destruction, and there are many people who need and deserve assistance during this challenging time.”

Already more than 250 applications for assistance have been received from residents and business owners in Ottawa County, which was approved for individual assistance on May 14.

Assessment teams continue to survey infrastructure damages throughout the state. The Governor said he anticipates asking for public assistance to be added to the request once a sufficient number of surveys are completed.