The U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved federal disaster assistance for farmers and communities in a 30-county area impacted by tornadoes and severe storms caused by Hurricane Beryl in July. Congressman Nick Langworthy announced Friday that the disaster designation covers seven primary counties -- including Erie County -- and 23 contiguous counties, including Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Allegany counties. This designation will provide farm operators access to emergency loans and other recovery resources for those who experienced significant damage and crop losses from the July 10-16 storm event, which included an EF1 tornado in the Forestville area.