Gov. Doug Ducey on Wednesday asked President Trump to formally declare a "major disaster" in Arizona, a move that could mean more federal cash for the state's pandemic response efforts.

Arizona already is set to receive an estimated $4.2 billion in aid from the national stimulus package adopted Friday. While that measure is broadly geared toward reviving the economy, the major disaster declaration would specifically support disaster-response efforts implemented by state and local governments.

LETTER: Read Ducey's letter to President Donald Trump

If the president approves Ducey's request, funding would come from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. According to the Governor's Office, it would help:

Expand crisis counseling for front-line workers.

Supplement work being done by tribal health care professionals.

Provide grants "to reduce the risk of loss of life or property during future emergencies."

Make disaster-related legal assistance available to low-income residents.

Expand food assistance and other services to low-income households.

“This declaration will help families, individuals, businesses and tribal communities in our state weather this storm and bounce back afterward stronger than ever," the governor said in a statement.

"I’m grateful for the partnership and collaboration we’ve had with administrative officials and hope to see this request approved in full to aid Arizona’s COVID-19 response.”

Ducey's major disaster request is the latest in a series of efforts designed to soften the impact of the new coronavirus crisis, which has sickened an untold number of Arizonans and put thousands out of work.

Since declaring a statewide emergency on March 11, the governor has issued executive orders delaying evictions, requiring more comprehensive virus testing reports and expanding eligibility for unemployment benefits.

As of Wednesday, Trump already had approved major disaster declarations for Pennsylvania and Ohio.

Reach the reporter at maria.polletta@arizonarepublic.com or 602-653-6807. Follow her on Twitter @mpolletta.

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