11.   Gov. Roy E. Barnes declared a state of emergency in those counties and Tift County, which is northeast of Colquitt, and requested federal disaster assistance.

12.   He announced Thursday that Maryland and Washington, D.C. will receive disaster assistance.

13.   He wrote a letter to U.S. Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman, urging disaster assistance for drought-stricken counties in his district and inviting him to tour the area.

14.   Hurst said the damage assessment will be used to seek federal housing and disaster assistance for the victims.

15.   Most are eligible for disaster unemployment assistance.

16.   Moves to reform disaster assistance for earthquakes and other natural disasters began in earnest today with hearings in both the House and the Senate.

17.   Nussle and his allies convinced the House to defeat a rule that would have allowed a vote on the disaster assistance.

18.   Others worry that disaster assistance could mask proselytizing.

19.   President Clinton, in response to a request by Gov. George W. Bush, declared seven coastal counties eligible for limited federal disaster assistance.

20.   President Clinton Wednesday declared Oklahoma City eligible for disaster assistance which will provide grants and loans to rebuild housing and businesses.