Gov. Brad Henry's office announced today President Bush has granted the request for seven Oklahoma counties to be declared major disasters because of the Dec. 9-10 ice storms.
Three Oklahoma City metropolitan area counties area are included among the seven: Cleveland, Oklahoma and Pottawatomie. The other four are Lincoln, Mayes, Tulsa and Wagoner.
"This public assistance approved by the President will help cities, towns and counties in their response and recovery efforts," Henry said in a statement. "Federal assistance is deserved and needed for numerous communities throughout our state, and I am grateful to the President for his quick response."
Henry made the federal request Dec. 15. Henry said more counties will be added to the declaration as damage assessment surveys continue across the state.
The declaration means public assistance will be available for expenses related to infrastructure damage including roads, bridges and public facilities, as well as the costs of debris removal. - Gazette staff
