Bush Declares Texas Valley a Disaster Area
President Bush on Wednesday declared the Rio Grande Valley of Texas a disaster area, ordering federal aid to help farmers recover from a severe winter freeze that struck just before Christmas.
Officials estimate that the freeze caused $385 million in damage to crops, agricultural businesses and in lost wages. About 70% of the citrus crop remaining at the time was destroyed.
A White House statement said the aid will cover unemployment compensation for lost jobs directly related to the freeze, which struck Dec. 21 in Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr and Willacy counties. The aid is being coordinated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
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