Disaster zonesUSDA declares NY and PA counties disaster zones

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announcedthat several counties Pennsylvania and New York are now eligible for federal disaster aid.

Ten counties in New York were declared as natural disaster areas due to excessive rain, flooding, hail, wind, cold, and tornadoes between 1 April and 30 August.

Meanwhile twenty-six additional New York counties were declared as disaster areas – twenty due to Hurricane Irene and six due to heat and drought from July through August.

USDA also designatedErie County, Pennsylvania along with neighboring Crawford and Warren Counties as natural disaster areas due to excessive rain that occurred from 1 May to 28 June.

Farmers in these areas are now eligible for low-interest loans under the USDA’s Farm Service Agency to help cover their losses. Those seeking to apply for loans must submit their paperwork within eight months of the USDA’s announcement.