Governor Asks For Federal Help With Flooding

Governor Huckabee has asked the Bush administration for emergency assistance in 16 counties damaged by flooding that started April 19th. State officials say they expect a decision by Friday. Federal Emergency Management Administration teams surveyed flooded areas last week and reported their findings to the governor. The teams estimated the state needs eight million dollars to fix public property and less than $500,000 for individual homes. Of 169 homes affected by the floods, 16 homes were destroyed. The surveyors found that roads suffered the most from the storms. The governor is also requesting Small Business Administration low-interest loans for flood victims in those counties and contiguous counties. Of the 18 counties that initially asked for disaster declarations, Randolph and Scott counties were not included in Huckabee`s request for federal funds. Huckabee requested both public and individual assistance for Baxter, Boone, Crawford, Franklin, Madison, Marion and Washington counties. He requested money just for public property in Carroll, Jackson, Johnson, Newton, Searcy, Stone and Woodruff counties. Money just for individuals was requested for Izard County. Independence County, among others listed above, was classified as a contiguous county in a request for the low-interest loans.