CONCORD - President Bush today granted Gov. John Lynch’s request for a major disaster declaration for the damage and costs the state and communities incurred as a result of the recent ice storm.

“Communities across New Hampshire face extraordinary costs as a result of their efforts to help the hundreds of thousands of people who lost power as a result of the unprecedented ice storm,” Gov. Lynch said. “I’m pleased that President Bush has issued this disaster declaration to provide assistance to our hard-hit communities.”

Preliminary and partial damage assessments compiled by local communities and the State already exceed $15 million.

President Bush’s disaster declaration will make public assistance available for impacted communities in all 10 New Hampshire counties.

The federal government provides three types of assistance: public assistance, which helps the state and communities cover emergency operations and repair costs; individual assistance, which provides some emergency assistance to individuals, such as for temporary housing, and may cover some home repair costs; and assistance to businesses through the Small Business Administration.

This declaration covers only public assistance.

State agencies are continuing to work with FEMA to assess damage and prepare and application for individual and Small Business Administration assistance.

People with ice storm related questions or concerns can call the state’s information line at 1-888-330-6764.