Gov. Sam Brownback sent a letter April 10 to President Barack Obama requesting a federal disaster declaration to assist 23 affected counties in recovering damages and cleanup costs associated with the severe winter storm that swept across most of the state Feb. 20 to 23.

Marion was one of the counties named, along with neighboring Dickinson and McPherson counties.

Preliminary damage assessments conducted in March documented approximately $4.4 million in eligible costs and damages.