PHOENIX – On Saturday, Governor Doug Ducey announced that President Trump approved Arizona’s request for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for the state. Arizona can now receive additional federal assets and resources to aid the state’s COVID-19 response efforts.
This is great news for Arizona. It’ll bring more resources to our state as we fight this virus, save lives and protect Arizona’s economy.
#StayAtHome #FlattenTheCurve https://t.co/kbQXxm7M99
— Kyrsten Sinema (@SenatorSinema) April 4, 2020
Governor Ducey wrote a letter to President Trump on April 1 requesting the disaster declaration.
(1/2) Today, I joined with @senmcsallyaz, @senatorsinema, @reprubengallego, @repgosar, @repraulgrijalva, @repkirkpatrick, @repohalleran, @repdavid, and @repgregstanton in a bipartisan letter to @realdonaldtrump supporting @dougducey’s request for a major disaster declaration AZ.
— Congresswoman Debbie Lesko (@RepDLesko) April 2, 2020
Federal funding is available to state, tribal, eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency protective measures (Category B), including direct federal assistance under Public Assistance, for all areas affected by COVID-19 at a federal cost share of 75 percent.
“I’m grateful to President Trump for approving Arizona’s request and for the Administration’s continued partnership,” said Governor Ducey in a press release. “These resources will bolster our efforts to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 and help us bounce back afterward stronger than ever. This continued collaboration will be crucial as we utilize all tools to combat this virus.”
The disaster declaration will provide Arizona access to expanded mental health care, supplement the efforts of tribal health care workers, provide grants to reduce the risk of loss of life or property during future emergencies, make available legal assistance to low-income Arizonans, expand food assistance and other services to low-income households impacted by COVID-19 and more.