ATLANTA - President Barack Obama issued a federal disaster declaration on Thursday, freeing up federal funds to help residents of Cobb, Paulding, Douglas and Cherokee counties recover from this week's flooding.

"We have a great deal of work to do and I appreciate President Obama's approval of the disaster declaration," Gov. Sonny Perdue said in a statement. "We will continue to work closely with FEMA as damage assessments continue and further assistance becomes available."

Cobb Chairman Sam Olens echoed those comments, though he noted it is only for individual assistance. Aid to governments for expenses like infrastructure costs is pending.

"We greatly appreciate the declaration," Olens said. "We await word of the express details so we can better assist our residents."

As for the timeliness with which the declaration was made, Olens said, "I am told by the Department of Homeland Security that this is record time. When you see the human suffering, it still appears too long."

Residents and business owners in the four counties can begin applying for assistance by registering online at http://www.fema.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (local time) Monday through Sunday.

The federal declaration covers individual assistance and can include grants to help pay for temporary housing, home repairs and other serious disaster-related expenses.

Low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration may also be available to cover residential and business losses not fully compensated by insurance.

The Georgia Emergency Management Agency is coordinating the state's response effort. For more emergency information and updates, visit www.gema.ga.gov.

Perdue declared a state of emergency in 17 Georgia counties on Monday, and requested federal aid on Tuesday after an aerial tour of the damaged areas.