Southwest Arkansas Radio Radio Stations KMTB, KNAS and KBHC in Nashville, Arkansas
It could take up to 3 or 4 months to determine if Howard County will qualify for state or federal assistance from last week’s flash flooding. The Howard County Quorum Court received an update Monday on the damage and the process of restoration. County Judge Kevin Smith said there are currently 4 bridges in the county that remain closed…with another four open..but in need of repairs. County crews are continuing to work on making as many areas passable to traffic as they can. Judge Smith estimated the bridge repair or replacement costs to be around 860 thousand dollars…with another 400 to 500 thousand dollars in damages to county roads. The judge also noted Howard County is receiving equipment & manpower assistance from Sevier, Little River & Miller Counties in restoring the county roads.
Should a state disaster declaration be granted, the county would receive 35 percent in funding assistance…but a federal declaration would result in 75 percent of assistance.
Sheriff Bryan McJunkins stated the jail restoration cost could go as high as 80 thousand dollars. In addition to damage at the jail, the sheriff’s department also had 9 extra vehicles and equipment that likely will be a total loss. However, those are expected to be covered by insurance. The sheriff said he is hopeful to have the jail ready for prisoners again sometime later this week. Inmates who were not transported to the Department of Corrections after the flood last week are being housed at the Sevier County Jail in De Queen.
Howard County’s largest expense is likely to come from the district court. Those employees are currently operating in the courthouse…and district court will be moved to the courthouse courtroom for the time being. Unlike the road & sheriff’s departments, district court has no extra money in their budget to repair the damage.
