As Tempe reels from the impacts of a sudden microburst, Maricopa County officials have taken action. Chairman Thomas Galvin signed an emergency declaration aiming to initiate recovery efforts and open up paths for federal assistance. This declaration, according to a release from Maricopa County, was in response to the substantial damages inflicted upon the community, specifically over 200 homes that bore the brunt of nature's sudden tempest.
Chairman Galvin, who oversees Supervisorial District 2, parts of Tempe included, alongside Supervisor Mark Stewart, has expressed a strong commitment to supporting affected constituents. "My colleague, Supervisor Mark Stewart, and I are committed to doing everything we can to help our constituents recover during this difficult time," Chairman Galvin mentioned, according to a Maricopa County statement. His declaration aligns with the city's priorities, marking a combined local and county level response to the crisis.
Now, with the Maricopa County's declaration in place, the gears are in motion for the State of Arizona to assess the situation and appeal for a Major Disaster Declaration from the federal government. This move could unlock financial support from FEMA and recovery loans from the Small Business Administration for those hit hardest by the storm. The city has since directed residents to a resource page dedicated to storm-related updates and assistance at tempe.gov/tempestorm.
