FEMA and SBA representatives arrive in Tempe to assess damage from October microburst

PHOENIX — Federal officials are currently in Tempe to inspect the damage from last month’s storm.

The visit from both the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Small Business Administration (SBA) is a critical step in helping Tempe qualify for federal disaster relief after the Oct. 13 microburst that pummeled the city, officials said.

“Our longstanding relationships with state, county and federal governments as well as nonprofits have benefited our whole community during our time of need, and I thank them for standing alongside us,” Tempe Mayor Corey Woods said in a Monday announcement.

The massive storm damaged more than 1,000 residences and 80 businesses. More than 200 facilities were declared to be total losses.

No state or federal funding has been approved at this time, so the damage assessment by FEMA and the SBA could help secure critical funds for Tempe.

The assistance city officials seek could provide direct financial support to eligible homeowners and renters to repair their homes, restore essential services and help families still recovering from the storm.

A full list of resources Tempe is providing to its residents can be found on the city’s website.

Volunteers continue to assist with cleanup efforts. Team Rubicon, a global volunteer organization, has provided 60 skilled workers who have aided 32 households that suffered storm damage.

The state of Arizona also requested that FEMA officials conduct a preliminary damage assessment for Gila County, which suffered catastrophic damage from multiple storms.

Assessment results would then be analyzed by both FEMA and the SBA to determine what resources should be allocated and where.

An emergency operations center has been opened at Community Christian Church near the intersection of College Avenue and Broadway Road.

The center has already assisted 160 families in need of shelter.

More than 1,000 tons of green organic debris was removed from neighborhoods and streets in Tempe as of Monday.

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