One Month After - More Than $10 Million Approved For Indiana 

Release Date: August 4, 2003
Release Number: 1476-29

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

Kokomo, IN -- In the month since the start of the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that damaged hundreds of homes throughout north central Indiana, a total of $10,521,638 in grants and low-interest disaster loans has been approved to assist in recovery, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Indiana State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).

This is a summary of recovery activities as of close of business August 3:

• 4,635 Individuals had called to apply for assistance
• 1,319 People had visited a Disaster Recovery Center
• 1,363 Temporary rental assistance grants were approved, totaling $1,457,306
• 2,280 Emergency essential repair grants were approved, totaling $5,345,854
• 915 Other Needs Assistance grants were approved, totaling $2,267,478 - may include grants for medical, dental, funeral, personal property, transportation and other eligible expenses
• 78 U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest disaster loan applications were approved, totaling $1,451,000.

FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Centers

A number of joint FEMA/state Disaster Recovery Centers remain open to help answer individuals' questions about disaster assistance. These temporary centers, which have seen more than 1,300 visitors, offer individuals a chance to meet face-to-face with representatives from various assistance agencies. People can also receive helpful information on how to clean up after storms and flooding and on cost effective measures for reducing damage from future disasters. The centers are open from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday, until further notice, or as noted below:

Application Numbers Continue to Operate

Individuals, families, and business owners who suffered losses in the designated counties should apply for disaster assistance by calling FEMA's special toll-free number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). The number for those with speech or hearing impairment is TTY 1 800 462-7585. These numbers are available 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week until further notice. The deadline to apply for disaster assistance is September 9.

The disaster-declared counties for Individual Assistance are Adams, Allen, Benton, Blackford, Boone, Carroll, Cass, Clay, Clinton, Delaware, Fountain, Fulton, Grant, Hamilton, Hancock, Henry, Howard, Huntington, Jasper, Jay, Kosciusko, Madison, Marion, Miami, Montgomery, Morgan, Newton, Noble, Parke, Pulaski, Randolph, Tippecanoe, Tipton, Vigo, Wabash, Warren, Wayne, Wells, White and Whitley.

Public Assistance

Eighteen Indiana counties are currently eligible for Public Assistance: Adams, Allen, Carroll, Cass, Clay, Howard, Huntington, Jasper, Jay, Kosciusko, Miami, Newton, Parke, Tippecanoe, Tipton, Union, Warren, and Wells. Affected local governments in these counties are eligible to apply for federal funds to pay 75 percent of the approved cost for debris removal, emergency services related to the disaster, and repairing or replacing damaged public facilities, such as roads, buildings and utilities.

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 Citizen Corps, the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 05-Aug-2003 08:52:23