Bush Decrees Disaster Areas
President Bush issued a disaster declaration Friday for eight Southern California counties devastated by flooding, mudslides and other damage triggered by storms that pounded the region in December and January.
The declaration, announced in Washington by White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan, makes federal funding in the form of grants and low-interest loans available to residents of Los Angeles and Ventura counties for home and business repairs and temporary housing.
Federal funds will also be made available to state and local governments and some nonprofit organizations to help repair damage in Los Angeles, Ventura, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Santa Barbara and Kern counties.
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger had asked the White House last month to declare those counties disaster areas.
Those who believe they qualify for assistance can contact the Federal Emergency Management Agency either online or by telephone. Toll-free phone lines will be staffed from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week. The numbers are (800) 621-FEMA or (800) 462-7585 for hearing- and speech-impaired callers.
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