Press Release of Senator Lugar Indiana communities receive nearly $600,000 for disaster relief Tuesday, December 16, 2008 U.S. Sen. Dick Lugar’s office was notified that the Economic Development Administration (EDA) will invest $593,434 in several Indiana communities. The investment supports development of an economic recovery strategy focusing on damage assessment and speeding economic recovery efforts to the communities around the state that were severely impacted by the recent Midwest floods.    The following entities received funding:   Entity Receiving Funds City Total EDA Investment River Hills Economic Development District & Regional Planning Commission Jeffersonville $129,434 Southern Indiana Development Commission Loogootee $111,000 Indiana 15 Regional Planning Commission Ferdinand $75,000 West Central Indiana Economic Development District, Inc. Terre Haute $100,000 Southeastern Indiana Regional Planning Commission Versailles $100,000 Eastern Indiana Development District New Castle $78,000   “Today’s announcement will help many Indiana communities continue efforts to rebuild their businesses and communities,” Lugar said. “The EDA provides important federal funding that can be leveraged by local officials responsible for ensuring that our communities have adequate infrastructure to support existing businesses and attract prospective companies. This funding is essential in our efforts to improve the quality of life and the standard of living for Hoosier families.”   Questions regarding the federal grants application process may be directed to Andrew Mills, Grants Coordinator for Senator Lugar, by phone at 202-224-4814 or by email at grants@lugar.senate.gov.   ###