By AP/KWMU
Saint Louis, MO – President Bush has issued a federal disaster declaration that will free up money to help Missouri recover from a series of winter storms.
More than 170,000 homes and businesses were without power at the peak of the storms in early December.
Public assistance is available for 42 counties.
The declaration also provides money for hazard mitigation measures statewide.
The president declared a state of emergency earlier this month to help assist Missouri with the initial emergency work.