LUBBOCK, TX (KCBD) -
President Obama on Friday declared several local counties as disaster areas due to wildfires from April 6 through May 3.
Among 45 Texas Counties are: Bailey, Castro, Cottle, Dawson, Garza, Hockley, Kent, King, Lynn, Motley, Scurry, and Terry Counties.
The declaration means local governments and certain nonprofit organizations qualify for federal payments to cover costs for equipment, equipment repairs, supplies, evacuations, and emergency shelters
Texas originally asked for all 254 counties but the Federal Emergency Management Agency said no. Texas appealed and now the President agrees that 45 counties do qualify.
FEMA's original recommendation to the President that he deny a declaration sparked harsh criticism from Governor Rick Perry and other Texas lawmakers.
"I am dismayed that this administration has denied Texans the much needed assistance they deserve," Perry said back in May. After the declaration Perry was quoted as saying it's good news for Texas however he still wants more counties and a wider time frame included in the declaration. So, Texas might not be done with this issue.
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