Governor Katie Hobbs announced Friday that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved an administrative disaster declaration for Gila County, providing federal assistance to communities hit by devastating floods late last month.
The decision comes after Hobbs and the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs (DEMA) formally requested the declaration in response to severe flooding that struck the Globe-Miami area from September 25–27. The declaration enables affected businesses, homeowners, renters, and nonprofits to apply for low-interest loans to help repair or replace property damaged in the disaster.
“I’m grateful for the swift response from the SBA as we work to rebuild in Gila County,” Hobbs said. “Miami, Globe, and surrounding areas have been devastated by flooding, and I’m committed to delivering every resource possible to help our communities recover and rebuild stronger than ever.”
Gabe Lavine, Director of DEMA’s Division of Emergency Management, said state and local officials have been coordinating recovery efforts around the clock. “With this declaration, affected communities will have important federal resources as Globe, Miami, and other areas rebuild from this disaster,” he said.
Governor Hobbs visited Gila County on October 4 to assess damage and meet with local leaders before submitting the disaster request. State emergency resources remain active under Hobbs’ earlier state emergency declaration, which continues to support debris removal, volunteer coordination, and recovery operations.
Residents and business owners can find information on loan applications, volunteer opportunities, and local recovery resources through links provided on the governor’s website and the SBA’s disaster assistance portal.