Disaster assistance approved for Woodward County

The designation provides SBA low-interest disaster loans for renters, homeowners, business owners and private nonprofits to repair or replace any property damaged by the storm that was not covered by insurance or other assistance programs. The loan program also is available to assist businesses that incurred losses because of the storm.

Under Small Business Administration rules, the assistance also is available in the surrounding counties of Dewey, Ellis, Harper, Major and Woods.

The designation was approved less than a week after federal officials denied a presidential declaration for individual assistance for Woodward County.

The tornado struck Woodward on April 15, killing six people. State officials said 224 homes and businesses were damaged, including 74 that were destroyed.

Gov. Mary Fallin, who toured the Woodward area hours after the tornado struck, said Thursday: “I spoke with families who lost everything and saw businesses that were completely destroyed. I also saw a community that was determined to get back on its feet quickly.”