18 Counties Now Eligible For Public Assistance 

Union County added to the president’s declaration

Release Date: July 15, 2004
Release Number: 1520-066

» More Information on Indiana Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- Union County is now eligible to apply for federal disaster assistance to help with costs associated with debris removal, emergency protective measures, and repairing or replacing public facilities damaged by the tornadoes and flooding from May 25 through June 25. The other 17 counties include Benton, Clark, Crawford, Floyd, Fountain, Greene, Harrison, Martin, Miami, Orange, Owen, Perry, Spencer, Tippecanoe, Warren, Warrick, and Washington.

“Disaster assistance may also be provided to repair, restore or replace facilities owned by certain private, nonprofit organizations that operate and maintain utility, emergency, medical, fire protection or other critical services of a governmental nature,” said Justo “Tito” Hernandez, federal coordinating officer for the disaster.

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 the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will conduct these briefings. Dates and times will be announced soon.

These briefings deal only with governmental entities, not with individuals who were affected by the storms. Residents with damage from the disaster need to call the toll-free registration number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), to apply for assistance. 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: Thursday, 15-Jul-2004 16:53:16