DES MOINES - The Federal Emergency Management Agency said Thursday 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.

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, particularly in Cedar Falls and the western part of the county, leaving some households and businesses without power for substantial periods of time.