White House Expands Disaster Declaration in Oklahoma

Gov. Mary Fallin says President Barack Obama has approved her request to expand the disaster declaration in Oklahoma due to tornadoes.

Fallin said Tuesday that the extension adds Canadian County to bring to six the number of counties eligible for individual assistance as the result of damage from tornadoes, flooding, straight-line winds and severe storms that struck the Oklahoma City metro area.

A federal disaster declaration already was issued on May 20 for damage that occurred in Cleveland, Lincoln, McClain, Oklahoma and Pottawatomie counties.

The expansion means individuals in the six counties are eligible for assistance due to damage that took place between May 18 and June 2. Assistance options include payments for housing repairs or temporary housing, and grants for serious needs and expenses not met by other programs.