President Bush declared Wednesday that a major disaster exists in six Maine counties and ordered federal aid to supplement state and local efforts to deal with damage and flooding caused by severe weather that began April 15.

The federal assistance is available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged. The declaration applies to Androscoggin, Cumberland, Kennebec, Knox, Oxford and York counties.

Federal funding is also available for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Department of Homeland Security, said damage surveys are continuing in other areas, and more counties and additional forms of assistance may be designated after the assessments are completed.