18 Arkansas counties eligible for federal assistance

Governor Beebe received word yesterday that 18 Arkansas counties qualify for public assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for damage caused by the remnants of Hurricane Gustav. We can probably expect another declaration for Ike. The counties include: Ashley, Bradley, Calhoun, Chicot, Clark, Cleveland, Conway, Dallas, Drew, Garland, Grant, Hot Spring, Lincoln, Montgomery, Perry, Prairie, Saline and Van Buren. Under the declaration, state and local agencies will receive federal funds toward the repair of facilities and infrastructure. It does not include assistance for individual storm victims.