COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — President Barack Obama has declared a major disaster in Ohio and ordered federal aid for areas affected by severe storms in the state earlier this summer.

Obama announced Monday that federal aid would be used to repair and replace damaged facilities in more than three dozen counties.

The money will be available on a cost-sharing basis for state and local governments, and certain private nonprofit organizations. Federal funding also is available for hazard mitigation measures.

The storms hit between the end of June and early July. It caused widespread power outages and strewed significant debris. As many as three people were killed.

Damage has been initially estimated at $29 million. Emergency officials say there could be additional designations later if they assess more damage.