President Bush Declares Four Florida Counties Disaster Areas

President Bush has declared four Florida counties--Brevard, Monroe, Okeechobee and St. Lucie--disaster areas in light of flood- and high wind-related damages caused by Tropical Storm Fay. This announcement makes the counties eligible for federal aid, which can be used to conduct government repairs and emergency work.

"I'm pleased about the declaration and grateful to President Bush," said Florida Gov. Charlie Crist.

To date, no funding has been extended to individual homeowners who suffered property damage and loss during the tropical storm, which made a record four landfalls in Florida.

Parts of Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee and Louisiana have also experienced heavy rainfall and flooding as a result of Fay.

Source: The Associated Press