DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — President Barack Obama has signed a disaster declaration for Iowa, making federal funds available to 19 counties that were battered by severe storms and flooding in April. The declaration signed Friday covers a period from April 17 to 30 in 19 counties, including Ringgold, in the KJAN listening area.

The action makes federal funds available to state and some local governments as well as certain nonprofit groups on a cost-sharing basis. The money can be used for emergency work and the repair or replacement of damaged facilities. The federal funds also can be used for hazard mitigation statewide.