Bush issues disaster declaration for Delaware County

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- President Bush declared a major disaster Thursday allowing residents impacted by storms in Delaware County last month to receive federal aid.<br/><br/>Eight people were injured by

Thursday, April 13th 2006, 10:02 pm

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- President Bush declared a major disaster Thursday allowing residents impacted by storms in Delaware County last month to receive federal aid.

Eight people were injured by the March 12 storms, which included a tornado that touched down in the southern part of the county. Emergency officials reported 95 homes were either damaged or destroyed. The Grand River Dam Authority and Northeast Oklahoma
Electric Cooperative also reported damage to their systems.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency named Philip Parr as the federal coordinating officer for the affected area and said residents and business owners can begin requesting assistance on Friday. FEMA will take applications online at www.fema.gov or by phone at 1-800-621-3362.

Forms of aid include grants for temporary housing and home repairs and low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses.

Gov. Brad Henry requested the disaster declaration after touring the area on March 17.