FRANKLIN COUNTY — Governor Sam Brownback has asked for a federal disaster declaration for Franklin, Osage and 21 other counties. Brownback is seeking federal reimbursement for those counties for damages and clean-up costs associated with the severe winter storm that swept across most of the state February 20 through 23. If the request is granted, the Federal Emergency Management Agency would provide funding to state and local governments and certain nonprofit organizations for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities. The letter also asks for activation of the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program statewide. The winter storm, which was the first of two blizzards, generated record amounts of snowfall in many areas and included high winds and blowing and drifting snow. Preliminary damage assessments conducted in March documented approximately $4.4 million eligible for federal reimbursements.
Updated 4/13/12 @ 6:30 am
