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Panhandle counties to receive disaster aid

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The Associated Press

Published: April 22, 2009

President Barack Obama has declared a major disaster for nearly a dozen counties in the Florida Panhandle, which was struck by severe storms, flooding, tornadoes and straight-line winds in March.

Tuesday's order calls for federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts.

Federal funding will be available to the state, local governments and some nonprofit organizations to repair damage caused by the severe weather, which began March 26. Counties included in the order are Bay, Calhoun, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Liberty, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Walton and Washington.

Federal funding also will be available for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

Federal disaster aid also has been requested for two of Florida's neighbors.

In Alabama, Gov. Bob Riley sought a federal disaster declaration after storms hit 20 counties in south and central parts of the state and caused about $26 million damage to roads, bridges and public buildings from March 30 to April 3.

In Georgia, Gov. Sonny Perdue asked for a presidential disaster declaration covering 33 counties struck by severe weather and floods.

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