Senator Mark Pryor Press Releases

Washington – U.S. Senators Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor and Representatives Marion Berry (AR-01), Vic Snyder (AR-02), John Boozman (AR-03), and Mike Ross (AR-04) today announced that Arkansas will receive $20,294,857 through the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. The funds were provided for in the Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act of 2009, which was signed into law on September 30, 2008.

The money will be used for necessary expenses related to disaster relief, long-term recovery and restoration of infrastructure, housing and economic revitalization in areas affected by 2008’s hurricanes, floods and other natural disasters. Since February, 62 of Arkansas’s 75 counties have been declared federal disaster areas due to severe weather and flooding.

“I firmly believe the federal government has a critical role to play in our state’s recovery efforts, and I’m pleased to see Arkansas receive these needed funds,” said Lincoln. “Our state has received more than its fair share of severe weather this year, and I remain committed to working with local and federal officials to ensure our state has the resources and support we need.”

“These funds will help Arkansans get back on their feet after a record year of natural disasters,” said Pryor. “It’s a smart investment that will pay off in more economic growth and improve the quality of life throughout our state.”

“Arkansans have borne the brunt of several natural disasters this year, impacting homes and businesses throughout the state,” said Berry. “While this funding won’t replace all that was lost, it will help support housing and economic revitalization efforts that will help families move forward from these tragedies.”

“I’m grateful that Washington sees the hurdles Arkansas communities still have to overcome for recovery from severe spring storms,” Boozman said. “These federal dollars are crucial to helping us get the necessary resources to meet the needs of Arkansans.”

“We all know the unpredictability of Arkansas weather, and unfortunately, many Arkansas farms, families and businesses suffered because of this year’s numerous severe weather events,” said Ross. “Federal dollars like these are crucial to rebuilding our communities and I will continue working in our nation’s capital to ensure we have the necessary resources to recover from whatever natural disasters come our way.”

The HUD funding was based upon Arkansas’s unmet housing needs and concentrated damage as a result of severe weather. The Arkansas Economic Development Commission will work with local planning and development districts as well as city and county officials to develop plans for utilizing the funds.

###


		December 9, 2008 Press Release Arkansas Congressional Delegation Announces More Than $20 Million for Disaster Assistance Washington – U.S. Senators Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor and Representatives Marion Berry (AR-01), Vic Snyder (AR-02), John Boozman (AR-03), and Mike Ross (AR-04) today announced that Arkansas will receive $20,294,857 through the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. The funds were provided for in the Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act of 2009, which was signed into law on September 30, 2008. The money will be used for necessary expenses related to disaster relief, long-term recovery and restoration of infrastructure, housing and economic revitalization in areas affected by 2008’s hurricanes, floods and other natural disasters. Since February, 62 of Arkansas’s 75 counties have been declared federal disaster areas due to severe weather and flooding. “I firmly believe the federal government has a critical role to play in our state’s recovery efforts, and I’m pleased to see Arkansas receive these needed funds,” said Lincoln. “Our state has received more than its fair share of severe weather this year, and I remain committed to working with local and federal officials to ensure our state has the resources and support we need.” “These funds will help Arkansans get back on their feet after a record year of natural disasters,” said Pryor. “It’s a smart investment that will pay off in more economic growth and improve the quality of life throughout our state.” “Arkansans have borne the brunt of several natural disasters this year, impacting homes and businesses throughout the state,” said Berry. “While this funding won’t replace all that was lost, it will help support housing and economic revitalization efforts that will help families move forward from these tragedies.” “I’m grateful that Washington sees the hurdles Arkansas communities still have to overcome for recovery from severe spring storms,” Boozman said. “These federal dollars are crucial to helping us get the necessary resources to meet the needs of Arkansans.” “We all know the unpredictability of Arkansas weather, and unfortunately, many Arkansas farms, families and businesses suffered because of this year’s numerous severe weather events,” said Ross. “Federal dollars like these are crucial to rebuilding our communities and I will continue working in our nation’s capital to ensure we have the necessary resources to recover from whatever natural disasters come our way.” The HUD funding was based upon Arkansas’s unmet housing needs and concentrated damage as a result of severe weather. The Arkansas Economic Development Commission will work with local planning and development districts as well as city and county officials to develop plans for utilizing the funds. ###