Flooding prompts disaster area declaration

By Staff
Staff Reports, Hartselle Enquirer
Morgan County is one of 16 Alabama counties designated as disaster areas, allowing people to receive assistance in recovering from last week's storms.
Morgan, Bibb, Blount, Calhoun, Cullman, DeKalb, Etowah, Jackson, Jefferson, Madison, Marshall, Shelby, St. Clair, Talladega, Tuscaloosa and Walker counties all received the disaster designation.
In Morgan County, heavy rains caused flooding, especially in the Lacey's Spring area. The floods forced residents out of their homes and caused thousands of dollars in property damage.
Hartselle escaped major damage, with reports of only a few fallen trees and swollen streams. More rain is expected this week and flooding could worsen.
Michael Brown, Federal Emergency Management Agency director, said the designation comes after his agency's analysis of the damaged areas.
"We will do all we can to make sure everyone in need of assistance receives it as quickly and efficiently as possible," Brown said.
The assistance can include grants to help pay for temporary housing, home repairs and other disaster-related costs. Low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration will also be available to cover residential and business losses not covered by insurance.
For more information, call 1-800-621-3362.