Henry Requests Federal Disaster Declaration For 3 Counties

Wednesday, August 22nd 2007, 3:42 pm

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ Governor Brad Henry formally asked for a federal disaster declaration Wednesday for three Oklahoma counties hit hard by the remnants of Tropical Storm Erin.

Henry's request for individual assistance covers Blaine, Caddo and Kingfisher counties, which suffered flooding and wind damage during the Sunday storm. Henry's office said more counties could be added to the request as additional damage assessments are completed.

On Monday, Henry declared a state of emergency in 24 counties, including the three that were on Wednesday's request. In those three counties, emergency management officials have determined almost 500 homes were damaged, including 42 that were destroyed and 192 that received major damage.

The storm also killed six people.

``What hit the state last weekend was essentially a small hurricane, and it devastated many communities throughout the state,'' Henry said. ``It is critical that we do everything in our power to see that they receive the help they need.â€

``Having visited with some of the many Oklahomans working to recover from the damage, I am impressed, but not surprised, by their courage, tenacity and resilience. But they cannot bounce back without assistance.''

Since January 1, President Bush has issued five presidential disaster declarations for Oklahoma, which is thought to be a record for a single calendar year.

If the latest request is approved, those who suffered damage from the storm will be eligible for assistance for housing repairs or temporary housing and other federal low-interest loans and grants.