ST. GEORGE, Utah (AP) — President Barack Obama signed a disaster declaration Saturday for southern Utah areas hit by a severe storm and flooding in September.

Obama declared a major disaster exists in the region and ordered federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in it.

Federal Emergency Management Agency officials say federal money is available to local and state government agencies and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and repairs in Washington County.

Gary Stanley has been named as federal coordinating officer for federal recovery operations in the area.

In September, Gov. Gary Herbert signed a declaration requesting federal money to assist those in an area where a broken dike sent a torrent of water through Santa Clara.

The dike disintegrated in heavy rains Sept. 11, sending a deluge of water from a retention pond into town.

The flood also damaged 16 businesses.

Santa Clara is about 270 miles south of Salt Lake City.

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