Gov. Don Siegelman recently announced that two more counties have been added to the federal disaster because of severe storms and tornadoes that occurred Dec. 16, 2000. The additional counties are Cherokee and Jefferson.

Tremendous damage and hardship have been placed on the residents in tornado-stricken areas, Siegelman said. "Federal assistance will go a long way in helping the storm victims repair their lives and replace some of their losses."

Siegelman said individuals and families in Jefferson and Cherokee counties are now eligible to apply for federal disaster aid.

While Cherokee County did not receive widespread damage as did Etowah or Tuscaloosa, one Cherokee County resident, who lived near the Etowah/Cherokee County line, lost a home and applied for disaster funds, which was included in the disaster declaration, said Leon Smith, director, Cherokee County Emergency Management Agency.

Storm victims in counties that are a part of a disaster declaration are eligible to apply for various types of disaster assistance including grants, disaster housing assistance and low interest loans. Disaster assistance is available by calling 1-800-462-9029 or 1-800-462-7585 for individuals who are speech and hearing impaired