Sixteen Counties Designated For Public Assistance
Release Date: June 18, 2004
Release Number: 1520-035
» More Information on Indiana Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- The State of Indiana and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that 16 Indiana counties are now eligible to apply for state and federal disaster assistance to help with eligible costs associated with debris removal, emergency protective measures, and repairing or replacing public facilities damaged by the tornadoes and flooding that began May 27.
“Governmental entities in Benton, Clark, Crawford, Floyd, Greene, Harrison, Martin, Miami, Orange, Owen, Perry, Spencer, Tippecanoe, Warren, Warrick, and Washington counties can apply for help to repair or replace infrastructure,” said Justo “Tito” Hernandez, Federal Coordinating Officer for the disaster. “Disaster assistance may also be provided to repair, restore or replace facilities owned by certain private, nonprofit organizations.”
Private nonprofit groups that operate and maintain utility, emergency, medical, fire protection or other critical services of a governmental nature may be qualified for aid under the Public Assistance program. Certain private nonprofits that provide non-critical services should apply directly to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for permanent work.
Indiana State Coordinating Officer, Luther J. Taylor Sr. said, “The Public Assistance declaration will help these counties with needed financial aid to repair or replace damaged public property. This assistance will go a long way toward restoring much needed public services.”
The first step toward providing assistance will be an applicant’s briefing for local officials and certain nonprofit organizations. The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and FEMA will conduct these briefings. Dates and times will be announced soon.
These briefings do not deal with individual’s needs. Residents that were affected by the storms need to call the toll-free registration number to apply for assistance. That number is 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Hearing and speech impaired individuals may call TTY 1-800-462-7585.
On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Friday, 18-Jun-2004 16:51:36