Federal Disaster Funds Authorized For Indiana Storms

Release Date: August 30, 2004 Release Number: HQ-04-144

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WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that federal disaster funds have been made available for Indiana to help communities recover from the effects of a series of severe storms that struck the state during July.

Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response, said President Bush authorized the aid under a major disaster declaration issued following a review of FEMA’s analysis of the state’s request for federal assistance. The declaration covers damage to public property from severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that occurred over the period of July 3-18.

Immediately after the President’s action, Brown designated 20 counties eligible for federal funding to pay the state and affected local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations 75 percent of the approved costs for the repair or replacement of damaged facilities. The funding also covers eligible state and local government costs for debris removal and emergency services related to the disaster.

The designated counties include Clark, Clay, Crawford, Daviess, Dubois, Gibson, Greene, Harrison, Martin, Orange, Owen, Parke, Perry, Pike, Putnam, Scott, Spencer, Sullivan, Vermillion, and Warren.

Brown said federal funds also will be available to the state on a cost-shared basis for approved projects that reduce future disaster risks. He indicated that additional designations may be made later if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

Thomas J. Costello of FEMA was named by Brown to coordinate the federal relief effort. Costello said that procedures for requesting assistance will be explained at a series of applicant briefings at locations to be announced shortly in the affected area.

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.