Arkansas eligible for $20 million in federal flood funds following May severe storms

River water floods West Williams Street on Sept. 2, 2021, in Lincoln Park, New Jersey. N.J. Gov. Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency as Tropical Storm Ida caused flooding and power outages throughout New Jersey as the Northeast was hit by record rain and tornadoes. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

Arkansas was one of three states added to receive federal funds to reduce flood risks this week, FEMA announced Tuesday.

Possible through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Arkansas is eligible for up to $20 million. Eighteen other states and one Tribal Nation were selected to receive funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Swift Current Program for Flood Resistance earlier this year.

The federal funds are contingent on a “Presidential disaster declaration for a flood-related event any time from June 1, 2023 through May 31, 2024,” according to FEMA.

Arkansas became eligible for the funds when President Joe Biden on May 30 approved a major disaster declaration for Benton, Boone and Marion counties after a weekend of severe storms.

More than a dozen tornadoes touched down in the northern part of the state, at least seven of which made contact in Benton County alone. The Arkansas Division of Emergency Management reported 10 deaths and at least 300 destroyed structures due to tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding.

Arkansas governor requests federal disaster declaration for storm damage

The approved federal aid — which Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders requested — allows Arkansans the ability to apply for grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, cost-sharing opportunities, debris removal and more.

FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell toured the storm damage just days after tornadoes tore paths through Arkansas’ communities. Other FEMA staff have been dispatched to work in the state since Memorial Day and on June 6 opened a disaster recovery center at Northwest Arkansas Community College in Bentonville.

Residents in Benton, Boone and Marion county can visit the center to meet with FEMA representatives, the U.S. Small Business Administration and state departments. The center is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily in the Becky Paneitz Student Center, SC 108, at 1211 SE. Eagle Way in Bentonville.

FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance crews are also in Decatur to assist Arkansans with recovery efforts. Crews are available from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. daily at Falling Springs Community Church, which is located at 21822 Falling Springs Road in Decatur.

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