BOSTON (AP) - The federal government has agreed to provide
disaster aid for Massachusetts communities hardest hit by the Dec.
11 ice storm.

Gov. Deval Patrick requested the disaster relief, saying some
families and businesses had been without power for almost two
weeks.

The assistance was authorized by President Bush following a
review of Patrick's request by the Federal Emergency Management
Agency.

The aid will be made available to Worcester, Franklin, Hampden,
Hampshire and Berkshire counties.

Cities and towns, state agencies and nonprofit groups can apply
to be reimbursed for 75 percent of the cost of debris removal,
emergency services related to the disaster, and repairing,
replacing or restoring damaged public infrastructure.