Disaster is declared after deadly storms
President Bush declared a federal disaster for 11 counties, clearing the way for federal aid after severe storms ravaged parts of Oregon and Washington.
The declaration provides recovery assistance to five northwestern Oregon and six southwestern Washington counties.
There is still no official damage estimate for the storms that struck last weekend, claiming two lives in Oregon and six in Washington and causing widespread destruction of property.
State and local efforts have already made some progress in cleanup.
Many communities got their electricity back, and most major highways are open.
The disaster declaration says the federal government will reimburse 75% of the public cost for disaster response in those designated areas.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
