Little Rock, Ark. — Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has signed an executive order authorizing $750,000 in disaster aid to assist Florida and North Carolina in their recovery from Hurricane Helene, which struck in September 2024. The funds, drawn from the Governor’s Disaster Response and Recovery Fund, are intended to support emergency response and rebuilding efforts in the aftermath of the powerful storm.
The allocation of funds comes as part of a cooperative effort under the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), a system that facilitates mutual aid between states during disasters. Governor Sanders emphasized that the funds will be distributed at the discretion of the Arkansas Division of Emergency Management. Florida and North Carolina are expected to reimburse Arkansas for the costs under the terms of the EMAC agreement.
“Hurricane Helene created an emergency situation in several states, beginning on September 26, 2024. The severity of the storm prompted the activation of the EMAC, triggering the need for swift action to alleviate hardship and provide support to those affected,” Sanders said in a press release.
The $750,000 in aid will help address immediate needs for disaster response, including emergency services and recovery assistance. The funds are part of Arkansas’s ongoing efforts to provide assistance to states in crisis, with the understanding that the aid will be repaid by the affected states once their own recovery processes are more stable.
The EMAC system, a congressionally ratified organization, ensures that resources and aid are quickly mobilized across state lines to assist with disaster recovery. Through the system, the states involved can efficiently coordinate support, ensuring that resources reach communities in need without unnecessary delays.
As recovery operations continue in Florida and North Carolina, Arkansas remains committed to supporting its neighbors during the ongoing emergency, providing the necessary aid to help them rebuild and recover from the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Helene.