North Ga. counties given disaster declarations for frost

UNDATED - A number of North Georgia counties were given a disaster designation from the U.S. Agriculture Secretary Thursday in reference to a cold snap in the spring.

Gov. Nathan Deal had requested the designation for Fannin, Habersham, Gilmer, Rabun, Union, Lumpkin, Towns and White counties to address the frost and freezes occuring between April 12 and April 13.

Also included in the designation is Banks, Gordon, Murray, Stephens, Dawson, Hall and Pickens counties, which are classified as contiguous counties to the primary disaster area.

A disaster designation makes farm operators in both primary and contiguous counties eligible to be considered for assistance from the Farm Service Agency, which includes FSA emergency loans.