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Ducey Requests Federal Disaster Declaration

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey
Ross D. Franklin
/
AP Photo
Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey

Governor Doug Ducey has requested a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration from the federal government amid the COVID-19 outbreak.

According to Ducey’s office, it’s a procedural step to receive expanded mental healthcare, resources for tribal medical workers, legal and food assistance to low-income Arizonans, unemployment support, and other assets.

“Arizonans have shown great resilience while coming together to support one another during this health emergency,” said Governor Ducey in a press release. “This declaration will help families, individuals, businesses and tribal communities in our state weather this storm and bounce back afterward stronger than ever. I’m grateful for the partnership and collaboration we’ve had with administrative officials and hope to see this request approved in full to aid Arizona’s COVID-19 response.”

If it is approved by Pres. Trump, the declaration will also provide resources to crisis counseling programs, disaster case management, hazard mitigation, and other disaster assistance programs.

Ducey issued a declaration of emergency for the state on March 11, which is a required first step to receive a federal declaration.

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