Government Grants Kan. Disaster Declaration for Winter Storm

Federal officials have approved the state’s request for a disaster declaration in the wake of the December winter storm that left much of the state without power.

Officials placed the cost of the storm, which brought thick ice and snow, at more than $170 million to public infrastructure alone.

President Bush approved the request from the storm that caused six deaths, injured 11 others and knocked power out to more than 183,000 customers. Most of the damage was to rural electric cooperatives that lost numerous poles and transmission lines.

The declaration means Kansas entities will be eligible for funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to recover costs for debris removal and restoration of services. Sixty counties are covered by the declaration.