(WASHINGTON, DC) – Congressman Dennis Moore (Third District – Kansas) today announced that President Bush has declared a major disaster for the State of Kansas, clearing the way for federal funds to help with the recovery from last week’s ice storms.

"The ice storms that ravaged our region damaged homes, businesses, and the local infrastructure. More than four hundred thousand lost power and some have yet to regain electric service. This disaster declaration means that assistance for individuals and local governments is on the way," said Moore.

"Every county in my district is covered by this declaration. After witnessing the damage the storms caused, I know that people all over our area need the assistance it will provide. I want to commend Governor Graves and his emergency management team, as well as the regional office of FEMA for their swift action," said Moore.

On January 31, Moore met with Dick Hainje, Regional Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, to discuss the prospects for federal assistance. He also sent a letter to President Bush, urging the President to approve Governor Graves’ request for federal assistance.

Thirty-five counties have been designated as eligible to receive assistance for families and individuals: Allen, Anderson, Barber, Bourbon, Butler, Chautauqua, Cherokee, Coffey, Comanche, Cowley, Crawford, Douglas, Elk, Franklin, Greenwood, Harper, Jefferson, Johnson, Kingman, Kiowa, Labette, Leavenworth, Linn, Lyon, Miami, Montgomery, Neosho, Osage, Pratt, Sedgwick, Shawnee, Sumner, Wilson, Woodson, and Wyandotte.

In addition, Johnson and Wyandotte Counties have been designated as eligible for federal assistance to state and local governments to help with repairs to disaster damaged public facilities. Also, all counties in the State of Kansas have been made eligible for so-called hazard mitigation grants to help reduce the impact of future storms.

FEMA has set up a toll-free teleregistration number that victims can call to register for disaster aid: (800) 621-FEMA, TTD: (800) 462-7585.

Victims who have questions about their applications can call (800) 525-0321.

A link to FEMA’s disaster aid information page is available on Moore’s website, http://www.house.gov/moore/.