CONCORD – President Bush today granted Gov. John Lynch’s request for a major disaster declaration for damage caused by heavy rain and severe flooding on September 6 and 7, 2008.

In his letter to the President requesting the declaration, Governor Lynch wrote, "Sections of Hillsborough, Merrimack and Strafford counties received torrential rains causing flash flooding and extensive damage to public infrastructure. In fact, rainfall totals place this storm in the category of a 100-year rain event,” Gov. Lynch said. “I am asking the President to issue a disaster declaration to provide financial assistance to communities, which will help them rebuild infrastructure damaged by recent flash flooding.”

Although the Governor requested disaster declarations for Hillsborough, Merrimack and Strafford counties, the President's declaration covers only Hillsborough. State emergency response officials are reviewing with FEMA the basis for FEMA's determination that Merrimack and Strafford did not qualify.

President Bush’s disaster declaration will make public assistance available for impacted communities in Hillsborough County.