Gov. Mary Fallin formally requested a federal disaster declaration Wednesday for two Oklahoma counties affected by last week’s tornadoes that damaged thousands of homes and businesses and claimed four lives.
The request for the designation for Cleveland and Tulsa counties is a step toward eligibility for repairs or temporary housing, low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration, as well as other grants and disaster unemployment assistance.
“Having spoken with some of the residents near Sand Springs who lost everything as well as school officials in Moore who are faced with repairing tornado damage for the second time in less than two years, I know how important it is to do everything in our power to quickly rebuild,” Fallin said in a statement. “This disaster declaration would be an important first step in helping residents and businesses get back on their feet.”
One person was killed in a mobile home park in Sand Springs, two people were washed off a bridge in Webbers Falls, and a Norman resident died when his car crashed into a utility pole during the March 25 storm.
The governor’s office says 1,047 homes and businesses were damaged by tornadoes, flooding, and straight-line winds in Cleveland and Tulsa counties. On Tuesday Oklahoma City
Moore Mayor Glenn Lewis said the day after the storms he wasn’t sure Moore sustained enough damage to qualify for aid from Washington. On Tuesday Oklahoma City said More than 100 homes and nearly 30 businesses sustained some sort of damage.
Fallin’s office says more counties could be added later if Washington approves Wednesday’s disaster declaration.
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