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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – 5/23/2008

Oklahoma City – Gov. Brad Henry today requested additional federal disaster assistance to help individuals and business owners impacted by the tornadoes and other severe weather that occurred May 10.

The Governor asked federal authorities to declare Craig, Latimer and Pittsburg counties disaster areas for individual assistance. If approved, the designation would deliver 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.

“The tornadoes that smashed through Oklahoma earlier this month left a path of devastation in several communities in the eastern section of the state,” Gov. Henry said. “Many Oklahomans are in desperate need of help. Federal assistance is needed and deserved for these additional counties.”

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.

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