Gov. Greg Abbott asked for a federal disaster declaration Thursday for Van Zandt County following deadly storms on the weekend of April 28.
Abbott's request to the United States Small Business Administration sought long-term, low-interest physical disaster home and business loans available to people and businesses affected by the storms.
"As the people of Van Zandt County and surrounding areas begin rebuilding their lives following the recent deadly tornadoes, these disaster loans will go a long way in aiding in that effort," said Governor Abbott. "I'm asking the Small Business Administration to move quickly in granting my request and thank them for their continued support."
The National Weather Service said a total of seven tornadoes left a trail of damage east of the Dallas-Fort Worth area that weekend. Four people were killed and dozens more injured.
The largest of the tornadoes was an EF-3 that left a 51-mile track of destruction in Van Zandt and Rains counties.
Abbott's report said a total of 49 structures in Van Zandt County sustained severe damage. Rains and Henderson counties did not meet SBA disaster criteria, according to the final damage survey.
Online: American Red Cross Resource Centers
