WASHINGTON--The Inland Empire and four other California counties will get federal disaster aid to help repair damage caused by this winter’s storms.

President Obama approved the declaration Monday. It covers San Bernardino, Riverside, Los Angeles, Imperial, Calaveras, and Siskiyou counties.

Damage reimbursements that will be covered included more than $33.3 million for roads and highways. FEMA will kick in another $59.1 million.

Also covered is debris removal and the repair and restoration of public facilities damaged by the severe storms, flooding, mudslides and mudflows.

Affected homeowners, renters, business owners and non-profit organizations are eligible to apply for low-interest disaster loans from the Small Business Administration. (INT)

Story Date: September 2, 2010