Arkansas News Bureau
LITTLE ROCK — Gov. Mike Beebe declared three counties state disaster areas today because of damage caused by tornadoes and severe storms last week.
The declaration makes Cleburne, Saline and White counties eligible for funds from the state Public Assistance Program. The state Department of Emergency Management will oversee use of the funds to help local governments defray costs related to storm response and clean up.
Six tornadoes that touched down across Arkansas on Wednesday destroyed or damaged several buildings and left one man dead.
Though damage reports are still coming in, the state does not expect to reach the required thresholds to qualify for federal assistance for this round of severe weather, Beebe’s office said.
