Little Rock, Arkansas – Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced Wednesday that her administration is releasing $1.5 million in funds to support recovery efforts following the severe storms that swept across the state on April 2. The funding will come from the Governor’s Disaster Response and Recovery Fund, designed to help communities respond quickly to natural disasters and rebuild damaged infrastructure.
“These funds will be used at the discretion of the funds director to manage both program and administrative costs,” Sanders said in a news release, emphasizing the flexibility of the allocation to meet urgent local needs.
The storms, which included flash floods, tornadoes, and widespread severe weather, prompted Sanders to declare a state of emergency effective April 2 and lasting until April 16. Across Arkansas, residents faced multiple road closures, power outages, and property damage, while farmers saw significant crop losses. Several individuals were also injured as the storm system moved through multiple counties.
President Donald Trump approved federal assistance to Arkansas during the storms, providing an additional layer of support to help the state respond to the immediate aftermath. The combination of state and federal resources aims to ensure that communities can rebuild more quickly and efficiently.
The funds approved by Governor Sanders will allow local authorities to address both immediate recovery needs and ongoing administrative costs associated with disaster response. While the amount may not cover every aspect of recovery, state officials say it will help prioritize the most critical projects and provide a foundation for longer-term rebuilding efforts.
Governor Sanders stressed the importance of swift action to aid residents and communities affected by the storms. “Arkansas families and farmers faced significant challenges due to these storms, and these funds will help provide some relief as they recover,” she said.
As recovery efforts continue, state and local agencies will coordinate to assess damages, distribute funds, and support residents in rebuilding homes, roads, and other critical infrastructure. The $1.5 million allocation represents a first step in a broader effort to help Arkansas recover from one of the most severe weather events of the year.
