Napolitano Requests Federal Disaster Declaration

Gov. Janet Napolitano has written to President Bush requesting a Major Disaster Declaration for Pima & Pinal counties. The 2 counties have been dealing with flooding caused by summer storms over the last several weeks that prompted evacuations in some areas of both counties. The Governor is requesting federal help in the form of Public Assistance (public infrastructure damage) & Hazard Mitigation Programs. The Governor had previously declared a state emergency covering the period from July 25th – Aug. 4th, 2006, paving the way for the request for federal money.

During the last 2 weeks, assessment teams viewed the damage in the 2 counties. The information gathered supports the request for a presidential declaration & certifies that the damage is beyond state & local capabilities. The preliminary findings indicate there's approx., $9 million in damages to public infrastructure.

The Az. Division of Emergency Management continues to field calls from individuals reporting storm-related damages in the 2 counties. Assessment teams have reviewed damages relevant to federal declaration criteria. The assessed damages fell below the minimum thresholds for the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Individual Assistance Programs & the Small Business Administration Disaster Loan Program. The state & counties will continue to coordinate with the voluntary organizations for assistance to these individuals.