Flood Aid Approved For 15 More Counties

Friday, August 3rd 2007, 4:19 pm

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ Federal authorities have approved 15 more Oklahoma counties for individual assistance related to recent flooding and severe weather, Governor Brad Henry announced Friday.

The counties are Blaine, Bryan, Canadian, Cleveland, Cotton, Grady, Kiowa, Logan, McClain, Oklahoma, Payne, Pontotoc, Rogers, Seminole and Stephens.

Federal officials have now approved individual assistance for a total of 20 counties across the state. Comanche, Nowata, Ottawa, Pottawatomie and Washington counties were declared for individual assistance last month.

Residents in these counties will be able to apply for federal assistance for housing repairs and temporary housing, disaster unemployment aid and grants for serious needs not met by other programs. Low-interest loans also are available for individuals and businesses through the Small Business Administration.

``This designation will provide much-needed help to hard-hit areas across the state,'' Henry said. ``We are still compiling damage assessments and can seek additional aid based on those efforts.''

Those in the counties designated for assistance can begin the disaster application process by registering online at www.fema.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA or 1-800-462-7585 for the hearing and speech impaired.