Senator Mark Pryor Press Releases

Washington – U.S. Senators Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor and Representatives Marion Berry (AR-01), Vic Snyder (AR-02), John Boozman (AR-03), and Mike Ross (AR-04) today announced that Arkansas will receive $300,000 to create a comprehensive disaster recovery strategy. The strategy will focus on damage assessment and economic recovery efforts to communities severely impacted by the recent storms, tornadoes and floods.

The funds are allocated through the fiscal year 2008 supplemental appropriations bill and are a part of the previously-announced $13.8 million awarded to the Economic Development Administration’s Austin Region, which includes Arkansas and Oklahoma. It is the first grant award for Arkansas from this funding.

“This money will allow our state to develop a complete, wide-ranging economic plan to recover from the disasters this spring. The plan will include short-term and long-term proposals, and we will continue to work with local and federal officials throughout the funding implementation process,” said Lincoln.

“These funds will strengthen local communities’ ability to rebuild, recover and come out stronger than before the storms hit. I will continue to work with local and state officials, as well as the Arkansas Congressional delegation, to build on these funds at every opportunity,” said Pryor.

“In so many affected areas across our state, neighbors work together as families to reconstruct their homes and businesses,” said Berry. “This funding will give communities needed resources to create a more effective recovery plan, which will allow them to rebuild and move forward with their lives faster than before.”

“We are thankful for all of the funds we have secured to rebuild the areas devastated by the storms,” said Snyder. “I am pleased Arkansas is receiving funds to implement a plan for disaster recovery; having a workable strategy in place will help expedite and organize the recovery efforts.”

“I am hopeful that this plan to aid Arkansas communities will provide the necessary means for recovery,” Boozman said. “This strategy can meet the needs of Arkansans who are working to recuperate from the recent and devastating storms.”

“We all know the unpredictability of Arkansas weather, and unfortunately, many Arkansas farms, families and businesses suffered because of this year’s numerous severe weather events,” said Ross. “Federal dollars like these are crucial to rebuilding our communities and I will continue working in our nation’s capitol to ensure we have the necessary resources to recover from whatever natural disasters come our way.”

Since February, 62 of Arkansas’s 75 counties have been declared federal disaster areas due to severe weather and flooding.

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		September 11, 2008 Press Release Arkansas Congressional Delegation Announces $300,000 for State Disaster Recovery Plan Washington – U.S. Senators Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor and Representatives Marion Berry (AR-01), Vic Snyder (AR-02), John Boozman (AR-03), and Mike Ross (AR-04) today announced that Arkansas will receive $300,000 to create a comprehensive disaster recovery strategy. The strategy will focus on damage assessment and economic recovery efforts to communities severely impacted by the recent storms, tornadoes and floods. The funds are allocated through the fiscal year 2008 supplemental appropriations bill and are a part of the previously-announced $13.8 million awarded to the Economic Development Administration’s Austin Region, which includes Arkansas and Oklahoma. It is the first grant award for Arkansas from this funding. “This money will allow our state to develop a complete, wide-ranging economic plan to recover from the disasters this spring. The plan will include short-term and long-term proposals, and we will continue to work with local and federal officials throughout the funding implementation process,” said Lincoln. “These funds will strengthen local communities’ ability to rebuild, recover and come out stronger than before the storms hit. I will continue to work with local and state officials, as well as the Arkansas Congressional delegation, to build on these funds at every opportunity,” said Pryor. “In so many affected areas across our state, neighbors work together as families to reconstruct their homes and businesses,” said Berry. “This funding will give communities needed resources to create a more effective recovery plan, which will allow them to rebuild and move forward with their lives faster than before.” “We are thankful for all of the funds we have secured to rebuild the areas devastated by the storms,” said Snyder. “I am pleased Arkansas is receiving funds to implement a plan for disaster recovery; having a workable strategy in place will help expedite and organize the recovery efforts.” “I am hopeful that this plan to aid Arkansas communities will provide the necessary means for recovery,” Boozman said. “This strategy can meet the needs of Arkansans who are working to recuperate from the recent and devastating storms.” “We all know the unpredictability of Arkansas weather, and unfortunately, many Arkansas farms, families and businesses suffered because of this year’s numerous severe weather events,” said Ross. “Federal dollars like these are crucial to rebuilding our communities and I will continue working in our nation’s capitol to ensure we have the necessary resources to recover from whatever natural disasters come our way.” Since February, 62 of Arkansas’s 75 counties have been declared federal disaster areas due to severe weather and flooding. ###