TOPEKA – Kansas Governor Sam Brownback received notice Thursday that President Barack Obama has issued a disaster declaration for 14 counties struck by severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flooding during the period of April 14th and 15th.

The declaration makes federal funding available to State and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged in Edwards, Ellsworth, Harper, Hodgeman, Jewell, Kiowa, Mitchell, Osborne, Rice, Rush, Russell, Sedgwick, Stafford and Sumner Counties.

“This is very good news for the towns and areas impacted by tornados and damaging storms in April,” Governor Brownback said. “The federal funds will greatly assist these communities in rebuilding their infrastructure and ensuring public safety.”

The President’s declaration also makes federal funding available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.