President Obama OKs Storms Disaster Declaration

Washington - President Barack Obama signed a disaster declaration for Los Angeles, Riverside and four other counties today, freeing up federal funds to help the areas recover from damage suffered during winter storms in January and February.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger requested the disaster declaration in February after a series of storms battered the region.

"This action by President Obama will get assistance where it's needed most," Schwarzenegger said. "It will also help reduce a significant portion of the financial burden the storms have placed on communities throughout California.

"It's important that we're doing all we can to help these communities recover from the damaging effects of those powerful storms," he said.

The federal declaration includes Los Angeles, Riverside, Calaveras, Imperial, San Bernardino and Siskiyou counties.

According to the governor's office, the state identified more than $59.1 million in storm-related damage costs eligible for reimbursement through the Federal Emergency Management Agency and more than $33.3 million eligible for reimbursement through the Federal Highway Administration.

The declaration covers damage caused by winter storms between Jan. 17 and Feb. 6.