HUD Announces $37M in Disaster Aid in Oklahoma

Oklahoma and the city of Moore will receive nearly $37 million in federal aid to help recover from the tornadoes and storms that killed dozens of people and caused damage estimated at more than $1 billion this spring, U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan said Friday.

“These powerful tornadoes laid waste to a number of Oklahoma communities, destroying homes, businesses and critical infrastructure beyond the limits of private insurance and other forms of public assistance,” Donovan said.

Moore will receive $23.6 million to help in recovery efforts from the tornado that hit on May 20, and the state will receive $10.6 million to support the recovery efforts from storms that occurred between May 18 and June 2.

The grants, provided through HUD’s Community Development Block Grant Program, are intended to meet housing, business and infrastructure needs beyond those addressed by other forms of public and private assistance.

Gov. Mary Fallin said the grants will help low-income Oklahoma residents, many of whom do not have insurance.

“We are steadily rebuilding, but many families are still struggling to get back on their feet. The disaster relief grants provided by HUD … will make a big difference in the lives of those affected by this year’s tornadoes,” Fallin said.

U.S. Rep. Tom Cole, R-Oklahoma, said the grants provide hope for those affected by the storms.

“I am pleased by the generous grant provided by HUD to help our state and my hometown of Moore restore lost homes and businesses and repair broken infrastructure,” Cole said. “Disaster recovery in Oklahoma continues to look better each day.”