FEMA: OK homeowners with November tornado damage on their own for now

CHOCTAW, Okla. (KFOR) — Oklahomans impacted by severe storms last November are sharing mixed reactions to learning the federal government denied individual disaster assistance to help with repairs and replacements.

The decision came in a news release on March 20 from FEMA, stating that President Donald Trump had approved a major disaster declaration for Oklahoma counties impacted by November's storms: Adair, Garvin, Jefferson, Lincoln, Okfuskee, Oklahoma, Stephens, and Washita counties.

The Oklahoma County Assessor reported in January that Oklahoma County alone saw nearly $44 million in damage, with the aforementioned counties also reeling from tornadoes.

FEMA announced last week that Public Assistance federal funding would be available to the state, tribal, and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations for emergency work and repairs/replacements of public buildings damaged by the storms. The announcement said the funding would be available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

"We had the expectation that it was not going to happen," said Choctaw Mayor Chad Allcox. "It's going to definitely help our community and the other communities that were impacted by the tornado that don't have the necessary funds to just be able to spend on disaster cleanup like this."

However, FEMA didn't approve Individual Assistance. The difference between the two federal disaster funding methods is that eligible homeowners can use Individual Assistance to help rent temporary housing, repair uninsured homes, moving/storage, replacement of vehicles. Those potential options are not allowed under Public Assistance.

"It seemed like there was a lot of help and then a couple of weeks went by and it was kind of like we were forgotten out here," said Choctaw resident Michael Moore.

Moore said he's in the process of rebuilding his home, and expects to have work done in November, but it hasn't come without significant financial strains.

"Trying to get things cleaned up and rebuilt, it's just one thing after another, it seems like," said Moore. "We're all just kind of stuck and managing to do what our insurance allowed us or try to rebuild on our own."

Moore said he's disappointed the federal government doesn't see that strain, but is confident he and his neighbors will rebuild one step at a time.

"It's hard financially, trying to figure out how to do everything," said Moore.

Allcox said he understands that it's been an extremely frustrating situation, and is confident the community will get through their strains together. He said he's thankful for the aid the federal government is offering, but he wishes more could be done.

"I thank the president for doing that," said Allcox. "There's still a lot of work, and I hope that leadership can step it up a notch and help these smaller communities rebuild."

A spokesperson for Oklahoma Emergency Management told News 4 on Thursday that the state has also requested a Small Business Administration disaster declaration. If approved, it could provide low-interest loans for Oklahomans who need the extra help and qualify.