President George W. Bush wants to raise the spirits of people who helped rescue flood victims last week.

About 600 people had to be rescued when 10 inches of rain raised the Grand River 11 feet above flood stage Friday.

Bush wants to thank the people who pitched in to help during the floods. He plans to visit the Lake County Emergency Management Agency in Kirtland, where he'll talk with fire chiefs, emergency workers and Rep. Steven LaTourette.

President Bush will arrive in northeast Ohio at about 4 p.m. Several roads will be closed as he makes his way toward Mentor.

The president will be in Kirtland Hills in the evening for a fundraiser for Republican gubernatorial candidate Ken Blackwell, who is running against Democrat Ted Strickland.

The president also approved federal disaster relief for Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake counties Tuesday.

The federal disaster designation allows flood victims to apply for government assistance. The funding includes grants to help pay for temporary housing, home repair and other disaster-related expenses.

The declaration was based on an assessment by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which surveyed the damage Monday.

The Red Cross continues to help many flood victims find comfort and shelter. If you would like to help, check out Redcross-cleveland.org.

Previous Stories:

• August 1, 2006: Free Tuition Offered To Painesville Day Camp For Flood Victims
• July 31, 2006: Woman Says Flood Caused Her To Lose Her Identity
• July 30, 2006: 81 Homes Destroyed By Floods In Painesville
• July 28, 2006: Taft Declares Emergency In Lake Co. Due To Flooding

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