President Joe Biden has declared a major disaster in the State of Alabama and ordered Federal aid to supplement State, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, and tornadoes on January 12, 2023. The President’s action makes Federal funding available to affected individuals in Dallas and Autauga Counties.
“Alabama has been approved for a major disaster declaration in Dallas & Autauga counties following Thursday’s devastating weather. @POTUS and @FEMA have been good partners in our recovery efforts, and we are thankful. Alabamians are resilient folks, and we will come back stronger,” Alabama Governor Kay Ivey announced on Twitter.
“I’m thankful that President Biden has heard our calls and expedited a declaration of major disaster for the State of Alabama following Thursday’s devastating storms,” said Congresswoman Terri Sewell (D-AL07). “This declaration will free up critical federal resources to relieve, recover and rebuild. I look forward to continuing to partner with Governor Ivey, Alabama’s congressional delegation, as well as state, local, and community stakeholders to use these resources as an opportunity to build back Selma and all the affected areas better for the people of Alabama.”
A powerful tornado touched down in Selma, Sewell’s hometown, destroying dozens of homes and businesses on Thursday afternoon. Another devastating tornado touchdown followed that tornado in Autauga County, where dozens of homes were destroyed, and six people died. Dozens more were injured. Many families were left homeless.
Damage assessments continue in other areas, and additional areas may be designated for assistance after the assessments are fully completed.
Federal assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster. Federal funding also is available to State, tribal, and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work in the counties of Autauga and Dallas. Lastly, Federal funding is available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.
FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell has named Kevin A. Wallace, Sr. as the Federal Coordinating Officer for Federal recovery operations in the affected areas.
Residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated areas can begin applying for assistance at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), or by using the FEMA App.
Sewell, Ivey, U.S. Senator Katie Boyd Britt, FEMA response experts, and other state officials joined local officials as they surveyed the area on Friday. Cleanup efforts are ongoing. Restoring people’s homes, businesses, and lives will likely take many months.
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