(August 1, 2008)—Residents of three South Texas counties hit by Hurricane Dolly are now eligible for individual assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The White House approved FEMA's recommendation Thursday after spending nearly a week making preliminary damage assessments across Cameron, Willacy and Hidalgo counties.

The declaration includes temporary housing assistance for those forced from their homes, money for limited home repairs and as well as replacing some critical possessions. It also opens the door to applying for low-interest loans to rebuild.

Residents in those counties will be able to register for the assistance immediately through the FEMA hotline at 800-621-FEMA and the agency's Website.