A federal declaration for Texas County will trigger aid to help pay for damages associated with an ice storm that crippled Houston in February.
President Bush announced last week that he had declared parts of Missouri, including Texas County, a disaster area following an ice storm that damaged trees and left parts of Houston without power for two days.
Crews continue cleanup efforts in Houston, including picking up debris from curbsides.
The declaration triggers several programs:
*Payment for repairs or replacing damaged public facilities, such as roads, bridges, utilities, buildings, schools, recreational areas and similar publicly owned property, as well as help for non-profit organizations engaged in public service.
*Financial help for removing debris from public areas.
*Aid in undertaking hazard mitigation projects undertaken by state and local governments to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from natural disasters.
City Administrator Larry Sutton said a regional meeting is planned in Houston with federal and state agencies to learn more about filing paperwork necessary to receive federal help. Representatives of three counties are expected.