State Officials Preparing Disaster Declaration

Thursday, December 13th 2007, 12:37 pm

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- State officials are preparing an ice storm damage assessment Thursday in preparation for asking for a disaster declaration from President Bush as early as Friday.

Bush declared a state of emergency for the entire state Monday, which makes federal assistance such as generators, water, cots and food available.

A major disaster declaration would open the way for grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help residents and businesses owners recover.

Communities would also be able to ask for reimbursement for infrastructure damages.

Governor Brad Henry spokesman Paul Sund says state and federal emergency management officials are examining some of the hardest hit counties.