CONCORD -Gov. John Lynch today asked President Bush to included Merrimack and Strafford counties in the major disaster declaration for damage caused by the recent tornado.

“Epsom and Pittsfield, in Merrimack County, and New Durham, in Strafford County, all experienced tremendous damage during the tornado. Based on the concentration of severe damage in these communities, I am asking that the president, through FEMA, to include Merrimack and Strafford counties in the disaster declaration,” Gov. Lynch said. “It is my hope that these counties will be added to the declaration and those communities can become eligible for public assistance.”

President Bush’s disaster declaration on Monday made public assistance available for impacted communities in Belknap, Carroll and Rockingham counties. Gov. Lynch’s original request for a disaster declaration included Merrimack and Strafford counties, which were not included in the President’s declaration.

FEMA offers two primary types of assistance, public assistance - which helps the state and communities cover emergency operations, debris removal and repair costs; and individual assistance - which provides some emergency assistance to individuals, such as temporary housing, and will cover some - but not usually all - costs of the damage.

The declaration does not include individual assistance. Gov. Lynch will soon appeal the decision not assistance for individuals impacted by the tornado.

“I am disappointed the federal government will not be assisting the many New Hampshire families impacted by this tornado, and we will be asking that the decision not to include individual assistance be reviewed. The State of New Hampshire continues to work closely with local communities and volunteer organization to help ensure our citizens who were impacted by the storm get the assistance they need, ” Gov. Lynch said.

In addition, will soon seek through FEMA assistance for damage caused by flooding conditions last week. FEMA assessment teams have been conducting inspections of impacted areas this week.

“Recent storms have caused significant damage in many communities across New Hampshire, we will be asking that these communities be eligible for assistance,” Gov. Lynch said.

The recovery from the tornado and flooding events continues and anyone with tornado or flood-related questions or concerns can call the state’s information line at 1-888-330-6764.

Gov. Lynch also encourages citizens to consider contributing to the State of New Hampshire Disaster Relief Fund, which will help families impacted by the recent storms.

Donations to the relief fund can be made online at www.nh.gov, or by sending a check made out to:

New Hampshire Disaster Relief Fund
State of New Hampshire, Disaster Relief
25 Capitol Street, Room 121
Concord, NH 03301