Public assistance request approved for 3 Oklahoma counties

Associated Press

Federal authorities have approved a request by Gov. Brad Henry that public assistance be made available for three Oklahoma counties hit by tornadoes earlier this month.

Henry's request on Wednesday covered Ottawa, Craig and Latimer counties, where tornadoes touched down on May 10. The White House already had approved individual assistance for the three counties, as well as Pittsburg County.

The designation for public assistance made Thursday will allow federal funds to be used to assist cities, towns and counties with infrastructure repairs and costs associated with the storms.

Henry says he is grateful for the quick response to the request. He says the storms resulted in at least $4.9 million in infrastructure damage and response costs.