A presidential disaster designation would make Washington, Kane and Iron counties eligible for federal assistance.

Preliminary damage assessments by the Federal Emergency Management Agency concluded the state would be eligible for $13.8 million, according to a statement by the governor's office.

"It's important to keep in mind that this initial figure is a very preliminary number," said Nannette Rolfe, director of the state Division of Emergency Services and Homeland Security.

FEMA gathered enough information to ensure the damage assessment met the minimum standards necessary to obtain a presidential declaration, Rolfe said.

"These preliminary damage estimates could change once these assessment teams return to conduct more in-depth assessments," Rolfe said.

Unofficial estimates of damage to the area's roads, bridges, sewer and water systems range from $156 million to $200 million.

In addition, about three dozen houses were destroyed or seriously damaged.

Under a disaster designation, homeowners could be eligible for some assistance.

Utah Sens. Bob Bennett and Orrin Hatch earlier asked the president to release federal disaster aid after the flooding, which followed heavy snow and rain in southwestern Utah.

Huntsman, Bennett and Hatch individually toured flood-ravaged areas last week.

csmart@sltrib.com