LOCAL AUTHORITIES RECEIVE STATE AID FOR STORM AND HAIL DAMAGE

( Editorial: --> 8435 ) ZAGREB, July 18 (Hina) - Municipalities and towns which suffered storm and hail damage from May until the beginning of July will receive 11 million kuna (about US$1.7 million) in urgent aid from the Croatian Government. The aid is in the form of advancements exclusively to be given to households or family-operated small businesses for protecting damaged crops and for agricultural interventions for their quick recovery and renewal. Priority will be given to households and businesses without additional income outside agriculture and pensioners, and then other households. Funds for the urgent aid will be allocated directly to municipalities and towns whose regions recorded damage. From May until the beginning of July, hail and storms hit 11 counties and the City of Zagreb, affecting 76 towns and municipalities. County commissions for assessing damage said between 40 and 100 per cent of crops in orchards and vineyards in those areas suffered damage. The decision on giving grants to municipalities and towns which suffered damage was made by the Croatian Government this week. (Hina) mbr /is 181505 MET jul 98