LITTLE FLOCK, Ark. — As debris piles continue to grow, so do the bills from the May 26 tornadoes. That's why local governments are concerned after the denial of increased funding from FEMA.
Mayor Jeff Van Sickler of Little Flock revealed to 5NEWS that the state had been notified their July request had been denied. On July 10, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders requested that federal funding cover 100% of debris and emergency protective measure costs for counties affected by that weekend's storms.
"Our cleanup here in the city for the disaster recovery was done in 30 days. The price tag on that for just debris cleanup alone was north of $1.6 million total," Van Sickler said.
While Mayor Van Sickler says Little Flock's debris has been cleared, the small city's cost continues to grow.
"We're on the hook for just a little over $425,000 I believe, which also represents 25% of our gross annual revenue. So it's a huge hit to us," Van Sickler said. "We're still a city that lost our city hall, damages to a great deal of number of our vehicles, as well as our fire department roof and street department buildings. So we've still got quite a bit of other areas that are going to require finances."
FEMA confirmed to 5NEWS that the request was denied. FEMA will continue to cover 75% of the first month's cost but the other 25% is left to be covered by the communities.
Both Bentonville and Rogers mayors, Benton County Judge Barry Moehring, and Congressman Steve Womack expressed their disappointment in the decision to deny the request.
Womack said the Arkansas congressional delegation had supported the request to help relieve the financial burden of recovery. The leaders say they will continue to monitor the situation and plan to appeal.
Van Sickler said he also wants FEMA to reconsider, but if that fails, he'd like help from the state.
"Some cover the 25% in full. Other states cover half of that 25% and so the city would then be on the hook for 12.5%, which anything we can do to help reduce the impact to the city, is obviously what we're after here," Van Sickler explained.
FEMA said the denial may be appealed within 30 days after the date of the Aug. 20 letter.
The following are official statements from local and state officials:
Bentonville Mayor Orman — "We are deeply disappointed by FEMA's denial of the State's request for full federal funding for debris removal and emergency protective services. We will collaborate with the County and neighboring cities that were severely impacted by the May 26th storms to better understand this decision and pursue an appropriate appeal."
Benton County Judge Barry Moehring — "We were disappointed to receive news of the denial. We plan to work with our city partners on the appeals process."
Congressman Womack — “I’m disappointed by FEMA's decision to deny the State’s request to increase the federal cost share for specific categories of Public Assistance from 75% to 100%. I understand the significant cost burden debris removal will have on communities in Northwest Arkansas. To help relieve the financial burden of recovery for communities devastated by the Memorial Day weekend storms, the Arkansas congressional delegation had supported the request. I will continue to monitor the situation and advocate for federal support.”
Rogers Mayor Greg Hines — "While I was disappointed to learn of the decision, I fully intend to pursue an appeal."
FEMA — "Yes, the governor was informed that the request for a cost share adjustment under the disaster declaration was denied after a review of available information. The denial may be appealed within 30 days after the date of the August 20 letter."
Lacey Kanipe, Arkansas Department of Emergency Management — "Yes, FEMA has denied Arkansas’ request for a 100% federal cost-share. Just to note: This request is for debris removal and emergency protective measures and covers the first 30 days of the event."
"The standard cost-share is typically 75% from FEMA and 25% from local communities with infrastructure damage. The Arkansas Division of Emergency Management will continue to work with FEMA and local officials to find and maximize funding assistance for infrastructure damage."
"State staff has spent the last three months working alongside FEMA in northern Arkansas to assist impacted counties, and approximately $7 million has currently been approved for individuals and households."
"Local officials can help offset the typical 25% cost-share by utilizing donated resources such as volunteer hours, and ADEM can assist them with that process."
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