AUGUSTA – President Bush on Thursday declared a disaster in portions of Maine that had flood damage in December, meaning they will be eligible for emergency recovery funds.

The Maine congressional delegation and Gov. John Baldacci said the Federal Emergency Management Agency will reimburse state and local governments for up to 75 percent of the costs of responding to the flooding between Dec. 10 and 31.

Snowstorms and rainstorms were followed by flooding and ice jams in Franklin, Kennebec, Oxford, Piscataquis, Somerset and Waldo counties.

In January, federal money was made available after a snowstorm buried some areas under up to 3 feet on Dec. 14 and 15.