DES MOINES - The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced Thursday that President Obama has issued a disaster declaration for Black Hawk County after a severe storm hit the county on July 10.

The declaration will allow for federal assistance for public infrastructure that was damaged in the storms. An initial estimate places the damage to public buildings at more than $5 million, Gov. Chet Culver's office said.

"I want to thank President Obama for taking quick action to approve my request, which will help recovery efforts throughout Black Hawk County," Culver said in a statement. "As governor, I will continue to work with our federal partners to help those affected by severe weather and do whatever possible as we recover from these natural disasters."

The federal aid will be available for state and local governments and some non-profit organizations. The money can be used for such things as emergency work, repair and replacement of public facilities and hazard mitigation.

Straight line winds clocked in excess of 100 mph uprooted trees and downed power lines in the July 10 storm, particularly in Cedar Falls and the western part of the county, leaving some homes and businesses without power for substantial periods of time.

Charlotte Eby can be reached at 515-422-9061 or chareby@aol.com.