SBA Approves Disaster Declaration in Gila County After Request from Governor Katie Hobbs and Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs

Phoenix, AZ - Today, Governor Katie Hobbs announced the Small Business Administration approved her request for an SBA Administrative disaster declaration in response to devastating flooding in Gila County. The emergency declaration unlocks critical support for small businesses, non-profits and residents in the area as they recover from flooding that struck the region from September 25th through September 27th.

"I'm grateful for the swift response from the Small Business Administration as we work to rebuild in Gila County," said Governor Katie Hobbs. "Miami, Globe, and the surrounding areas have been devastated by flooding and I am working to deliver every resource possible to help our communities recover. I will continue partnering with local leaders, federal officials and our Tribal partners to ensure Gila County builds back stronger than ever from this natural disaster."

"DEMA has been working with local leaders and emergency managers around the clock to support emergency response and recovery efforts," said Gabe Lavine, Director of DEMA's Division of Emergency Management. "We are thankful for the support from our partners in the federal government for their open communication and responsiveness to our needs on the ground. With this declaration, affected communities will have important federal resources as Globe, Miami and other impacted areas rebuild from this disaster."

Governor Hobbs traveled to Gila County to tour recovery efforts on October 4th. Press materials from the visit may be found here. The same day, Governor Hobbs and Director Lavine requested the declaration in a letter to SBA Acting Director Eric Shaw.

Governor Hobbs and the Department of Emergency and Military Affairs have mobilized resources from across state government in response to Gila county flooding, including a state emergency declaration. Read more about the state's emergency response efforts here.

Read the SBA's declaration here.

Resources for Gila County residents and information on volunteer and donation opportunities can be found here.