Thursday, April 19, 2012
By LaShauna Sewell, News9.com
A tornado killed six people in Woodward and destroyed or damaged more than 200 homes and businesses.OKLAHOMA CITY - Gov. Mary Fallin requested Wednesday a federal disaster declaration for Woodward County following Sunday morning's deadly tornado. The twister swept through Woodward just after midnight, killing six people, destroying nearly 100 homes and businesses and leaving a long trail of destruction.
A federal disaster declaration would provide assistance to people and businesses in the devastated area. Gov. Fallin said it would be an important first step to helping residents get back on their feet.
"Last weekend's deadly tornadoes led to the tragic loss of six lives and destroyed or severely damaged many homes and businesses," Fallin said. "Having spoken with many of the residents in Woodward who lost everything, I know how important it is to do everything in our power to quickly rebuild this community."
If the request is approved, residents affected by the tornado would be eligible for assistance for housing repairs or temporary housing, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest loans for individuals and businesses to repair or replace damaged property, disaster unemployment assistance, and grants for serious needs and necessary disaster expenses not met by other programs.