Henry Seeks Individual Assistance After Tornado

NewsOn6.com

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Gov. Brad Henry has asked the White House to provide individual assistance for three Oklahoma counties hit by a tornado earlier this week.

The request includes Carter, Logan and Oklahoma counties, but more counties can be added if individual assistance is approved, according to a news release.

Earlier this week, Henry spoke with President Barack Obama and U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano, and both pledged to help Oklahomans reeling from the disaster.

"I am confident that federal authorities understand the severity of the destruction caused by the recent tornadoes," Henry said. "Many Oklahomans have begun the slow and difficult process of recovery.

"It is essential that they receive all assistance for which they are eligible. The magnitude of damage certainly warrants individual assistance, and I am optimistic that President Obama will act swiftly."

A tornado Tuesday in the Carter County town of Lone Grove killed eight people and injured dozens of others. Storms damaged or destroyed more than 300 homes and businesses across Oklahoma.

If the request is approved, Oklahomans with uninsured damage in those areas would be eligible for housing assistance, low-interest loans to repair or replace property, unemployment assistance and grants for serious needs and necessary disaster expenses not met by other programs.