White House Denies Earthquake Aid for Oklahoma

The White House has denied a request from the state of Oklahoma for individual assistance for those affected by a series of earthquakes in November.

Gov. Mary Fallin said she’s disappointed and will consider other options. She has asked the U.S. Small Business Administration to help residents of Lincoln County recover from the quakes.

Fallin on Nov. 22 asked the federal government for individual disaster assistance for those impacted by earthquakes that began in early November.

A 5.6 magnitude quake felt in Oklahoma on Nov. 5 and several other states buckled a highway and damaged a tower at St. Gregory’s University in Shawnee.

Fallin says nearly 200 homes and businesses have confirmed damage and she believes individual assistance is justified.

The quake was the strongest ever recorded in Oklahoma. Tremors with magnitudes of 4.7 preceded and followed the quake.

Fallin asked the SBA for low-interest disaster loans for renters, homeowners and business owners to repair or replace property that’s not covered by insurance or other assistance programs. It would also help businesses that sustained damage in the earthquakes.

Residents in counties that border Lincoln County could also participate in the program.