6/12/2008
Media Contact:
Marcus J. Barlow
Press Secretary
Office of the Mayor
E-mail: mbarlow@indygov.org
Office: 317-327-3713
Cell: 317-496-5515
Jessica Higdon
Deputy Press Secretary
Office of the Mayor
E-mail: jhigdon@indygov.org
Office: 317-327-3649
Cell: 317-281-5817 |
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MAYOR BALLARD APPLAUDS THE PRESIDENT'S DECISION TO DECLARE MARION COUNTY A DISASTER AREA
INDIANAPOLIS – (June 12, 2008) Today, Mayor Greg Ballard applauded the President's decision to grant individual assistance to residents in Marion County. This will allow federal funds through FEMA to go to qualified victims. Next, FEMA will come to Marion County and open one or more DRCs (Disaster Recovery Centers) where they will interview individuals and determine the level of assistance they will receive. FEMA will advance this with an aggressive outreach campaign.
"The decision made by the President is the right one," commented Mayor Ballard. "Marion County has suffered two natural disasters in a short time and there are people that can really use help getting back on their feet."
The Mayor was actively involved with the response and recovery process since the first storm on May 30 ensuring that all steps were taken to make certain Marion County qualified for all possible assistance. In addition to the Mayor's efforts, City, Township and human services representatives continue to work to address the needs of those affected by the storms.
Emergency Management has coordinated a thorough damage assessment of all affected areas of Marion County, and has worked with State and Federal officials to provide all possible information to justify a Federal declaration for Marion County. As a result, Emergency Management received notification last night from the Indiana Department of Homeland Security that the President declared a disaster declaration for individual assistance to Marion County under declaration number FEMA-1766-DR.
This designation will provide for Federal financial and other assistance to victims that suffered damage or loss by recent storms. Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and property owners recover from the effects of the disasters.
Residents and business owners who sustained losses in these counties can begin applying for assistance now by registering online at www.fema.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1800-462-7585 for the hearing and speech impaired. These toll free numbers will operate from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week.
More information will be provided as available.
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