Gov requests federal disaster aid for tornado victims

The funds would provide temporary housing, Small Business Administration disaster loans, and direct federal assistance to those suffering damage from tornadoes that hit Dumas and Back Gate. Additionally, the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management will open a Disaster Recovery Center in Dumas beginning Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. The Center, located in the CenturyTel building at 110 Court Street, will remain open through Saturday. Representatives from five state agencies will be available to enroll victims in state-assistance programs. Services provided will include: - Temporary housing assistance - Crisis Counseling - Emergency food stamps - Home repair/personal property assistance - Disaster unemployment benefits - Income tax assistance Applications for individual and family-grant programs are also being accepted at Department of Health and Human Services offices in all three disaster-declared counties. Desha County: 200 N. First Street, McGehee (870) 222-4144 Drew County: 444 Highway 425 North, Monticello (870) 367-6835 Union County: 123 W. 18th Street, El Dorado (870) 862-6631 Storm victims in all three counties can also apply for temporary housing assistance by calling ADEM at (877) 828-3362. Governor Beebe issued an executive order on Tuesday providing $10,000 to ADEM from the Emergency Response Fund of the Governor`s Disaster Fund to help coordinate recovery efforts. (Copyright 2006 Newsroom Solutions, LLC)