Governor Seeking Major Disaster Declaration

Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry is asking President Bush to declare a major disaster in seven Oklahoma counties. The counties that have been the most affected are Tulsa, Mayes, Wagoner, Pottawatomie, Lincoln, Oklahoma and Cleveland.

The declaration would allow federal money to help pay for the recovery efforts. Preliminary estimates put utility damage and the cost to remove debris in those seven counties at more than $30 million. Across the state, the governor estimates the damage is at more than $200 million. If the state has enough damage, the President could authorize more assistance.

Residents with uninsured ice-storm damages are urged to call the toll-free Oklahoma Damage Assessment Hotline at 866-560-7584. Operators are taking calls from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. There are so many people calling, it could take some time to get through.