Governor Stitt Announces Federal Assistance Granted for Oklahomans Devastated by Floods
Oklahoma City (June 2, 2019)— Governor Kevin Stitt announced today that the White House has approved the state's request for disaster assistance for three Oklahoma counties hit hard by recent flooding.
The disaster assistance benefits individuals and business owners impacted by flooding and severe weather that began May 7 in Muskogee, Tulsa, and Wagoner counties. Governor Stitt noted the state will request additional counties be added to the declaration as damage assessments are completed.
The announcement comes after weeks of flooding, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and severe storms, which have left 6 people dead and 118 injured. An aerial damage assessment found 913 homes damaged in Muskogee, Tulsa and Wagoner counties. Of those, 517 had major damage and 335 were destroyed.
“I appreciate the support and quick action of President Trump in approving Oklahoma's request for federal disaster assistance in the wake of devastating flooding,” Governor Stitt said. “As damage assessments continue, I will request aid for all counties that suffered losses to homes or businesses, whether from flooding, tornadoes, or other severe weather.”
The designation delivers assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) 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.
To apply for disaster assistance individuals and business owners in Muskogee, Tulsa, and Wagoner counties may call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or go online at www.disasterassistance.gov.
Additionally, the declaration grants limited public assistance for state and local governments in the three counties to assist with debris removal and emergency protective measures to include overtime for first responders.
Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management is working with FEMA, SBA and local emergency managers to schedule damage assessments in other impacted counties as early as this week. Teams will view damages to homes and businesses as well as roads, bridges, utilities, and other public infrastructure.
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