Biden administration approves Stitts’ request for FEMA storm aid in Oklahoma

Christopher Lane II, Oklahoman
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Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt's request for disaster assistance in 19 counties affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, and tornadoes from last month has been approved by the Biden administration.

The approval means that the Federal Emergency Management Agency will provide funding to municipalities, counties, tribes, and rural electric cooperatives for debris removal, infrastructure repairs, utility restoration, and other storm-related expenses throughout Oklahoma.

Stitt submitted the request for a FEMA Major Disaster Declaration on July 1, seeking support for communities affected by destructive storms June 14-18. The storms caused damages and response costs totaling over $12.6 million in these 19 counties alone and brought damaging winds of up to 100 miles per hour and multiple tornadoes.

More: Why the emergency declaration following severe weather didn't come from Stitt or Pinnell

Which Oklahoma counties will get disaster assistance?

The 19 counties included in this declaration:

  • Beaver

  • Cimarron

  • Comanche

  • Cotton

  • Craig

  • Creek

  • Delaware

  • Harper

  • Jefferson

  • Love

  • Major

  • Mayes

  • McCurtain

  • Payne

  • Pushmataha

  • Rogers

  • Stephens

  • Tulsa

  • Woodward

More: In Tornado Alley, this app creator built a tool to connect users with storm shelters

The U.S. Small Business Administration has already approved Oklahoma's request for an SBA disaster declaration. This declaration enables homeowners, renters, and business owners in the affected counties to access low-interest disaster loans to aid in their recovery efforts.

The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security is actively collaborating with FEMA, SBA, and emergency management departments throughout the state to assess the damages. It is possible that additional counties may be added to the declaration in the future.

As recovery efforts continue, the approved disaster assistance will provide crucial support for the affected communities, helping them rebuild and restore essential infrastructure and services.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Biden approves FEMA aid for Oklahoma counties from severe storms