Gov. Bob Taft announced this week that Trumbull and seven other Ohio counties qualify for federal public assistance to furnish aid to local governments affected by the recent severe storms.

Damage to public structures in the eight counties is estimated at more than $12 million.

On Friday, federal, state and county disaster assessment teams finished surveying damaged infrastructure, which found about $4.16 million in damage to public structures in Trumbull County.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency provides money for emergency debris removal, protective measures, repairs to roads, bridges, water control facilities, public buildings and public utilities. FEMA covers 75 percent of the cost. The remaining cost is shared between the state and applicants.