6 more counties get federal aid for Debby damage
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — State officials say residents in six more counties will receive federal aid to help them recover from Tropical Storm Debby.
Florida emergency management officials said Wednesday that Clay, Franklin, Hernando, Highlands, Pinellas and Suwannee counties have been added to the disaster area declared eligible for federal assistance.
President Barack Obama previously ordered federal aid to help residents in Baker, Bradford, Columbia, Pasco and Wakulla counties. That assistance includes grants for temporary housing and home repairs and low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses. Other programs will help individuals and business owners recover from the flooding that resulted from the storm.
Debby came ashore June 27 in Steinhatchee. State officials say six rivers reached major flood stage because of Debby’s downpours. The Sopchoppy and St. Marys rivers reached record-breaking crests.