Va declared disaster areas

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - Six counties and three cities in Virginia affected by drought and excessive heat have been declared federal agriculture disaster areas.

U.S. Sen. Jim Webb announced the disaster declarations Wednesday.

Webb said the declarations issued by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Ed Schafer are for Prince George, Charles City, Chesterfield, Dinwiddie, James City and Nottoway counties, along with Colonial Heights, Hopewell and Petersburg.

The disaster declarations will allow farmers who suffered crop losses to apply for federal aid.