Bush issues disaster declaration

President Bush issued a disaster declaration Thursday making the residents of 19 Missouri counties eligible for aid to recover from last week's floods. Of those, only Bollinger County is from this area. Additional counties may be added. Highlights of individual assistance include:

• Housing assistance: Money to pay for temporary housing while repairs are underway and to help with repairs that will make the home safe, sanitary and functional. There are, however, restrictions on repair and replacement funds for homeowners in a flood hazard zone who do not have flood insurance.
• Other needs: FEMA may provide aid for cleaning supplies, to replace a damaged vehicle not covered by insurance, disaster-related medical costs, clothing and other items specified by law.
• Unemployment assistance: People left jobless by a flood are eligible for disaster-related unemployment assistance.
• Loans: The Small Business Administration offers low-interest loans to individuals and businesses to rebuild when costs or losses exceed those allowed by insurance.

For more information or to apply for assistance, visit www.fema.gov or call 800-621-3362.