Indiana Governor Requests Federal Assistance For Northern Indiana

INDIANAPOLIS (November 2, 2007) - Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels took action today to request assistance for Hoosiers in northern Indiana devastated by a tornado and severe storms that occurred on October 18.

In compliance with federal regulations and Indiana Code, Executive Order 07-19 was issued to declare a disaster emergency in northern Indiana. In addition, the governor sent a letter to President George W. Bush to request federal assistance for Hoosiers affected by this severe storm damage that occurred in Elkhart, Marshall and Kosciusko counties, particularly in the city of Nappanee.

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The letter outlines the effects of the tornado that ripped through this area of the state, causing severe damage to homes and businesses.

The governor is seeking assistance that would qualify residents for individual and disaster assistance. Specifically, he has requested the implementation of Individual Assistance Programs, which include disaster housing, disaster unemployment assistance, crisis counseling, and individual and household programs, as well as hazard mitigation and Small Business Administration disaster loans.

According to preliminary assessments, results found 51 homes destroyed and 137 with major damage. An additional 201 residences were determined to have sustained minor damage or were affected. A total of 107 businesses sustained physical damage and many more have been impacted, resulting in local businesses suffering economic injury as a result of the layoffs or decreased incomes of the local workforce.

The Indiana Department of Homeland Security is providing state coordination to direct assistance to local governments. Other state agencies also have been involved.

A copy of the governor's letter to the President and the Executive Order may be found at http://www.in.gov/gov/pdfs/letter_to_President_11-2-07.pdf.

Source: Indiana Governor