Blunt seeks disaster declaration because of winter storms

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Governor Matt Blunt is seeking a federal disaster declaration for 42 counties as a result of winter storms that hit Missouri this month.

Blunt says preliminary inspections have found more than $28 million in damage to public infrastructure in those 42 counties.

The governor has asked President Bush to approve public assistance for those counties and a hazard mitigation grant for the entire state.

The ice and snow storms knocked out power to more than 170,000 customers. Eighty-seven shelters and warming stations were set up to help those displaced from their homes.

Blunt's letter to the president says it will be difficult for state and local governments to recover from the storm damage without immediate federal aid.