Kansas Counties Receive Disaster Designation

Press Release

Kansas Counties Receive Disaster Designation

Congressman Jerry Moran today announced that the following counties in the First Congressional District have qualified for a Presidential disaster declaration due to the severe tornadoes and flooding that hit Kansas on May 4 and 5: Barton, Edwards, Phillips, Pratt, Osborne, Ottawa and Stafford.

Barton, Edwards, Pratt and Stafford counties received a Public Assistance (PA) declaration which means state and local units of government will receive federal funds to repair or replace disaster-damaged public facilities and infrastructure. Additionally, Individual Assistance (IA) was made available for citizens in Barton, Osborne, Ottawa and Phillips counties. Individual Assistance allows qualified individuals to receive help from federal programs including housing and small business.

"The tornados and flooding this month caused significant damage in many parts of our state, costing millions of dollars in damage," Moran said. "Fortunately, this declaration means that some assistance is on the way for Kansans in the affected areas. Hopefully those who suffered damage from the storms will quickly receive the assistance they need to get their lives back in order."

In addition to the immediate assistance that will be provided to these affected counties, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has also announced that these counties will be eligible to apply for the Federal Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. This program provides assistance to state and local governments for actions taken to prevent or reduce long term risk to life and property from disasters such as the May storms.

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