MonticelloLive

Governor Mike Beebe received notice late this afternoon that President George W. Bush has approved the first stage of federal disaster assistance related to Tuesday’s tornadoes in Arkansas. 

This first stage makes state-and-local governments eligible for federal assistance pertaining to emergency response costs, as well as the repair and replacement of public facilities and services.  Additional declarations for individual assistance may still be forthcoming, as Federal Emergency Management Agency assessment teams were on the ground in Arkansas communities Thursday.

Governor Beebe will return to storm-damaged areas on Friday, accompanied by FEMA Administrator R. David Paulison, as well as U.S. Senators Lincoln and Pryor.  Beebe’s office is also in contact with the offices of Representatives Berry and Boozman about their potential involvement in Friday’s tour.

The tentative schedule has ground visits in Highland at approximately 2:00 Friday afternoon, and Atkins during the 4:00 hour. 

Aerial surveys of damage in other counties will occur between those two stops.  Coordination with federal authorities continues, and final times may depend on the logistics of President Bush’s visit to Tennessee on Friday.