Ind. Gov. Declares Post-Tornado State of Emergency

Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels declared a statewide emergency on Monday and asked President George W. Bush for federal assistance for Hoosiers devastated by a tornado and severe storms that affected parts of Indiana during early-morning hours on Nov. 6.

The governor is seeking assistance that would qualify Indiana for individual and disaster assistance. Daniels is expected to ask for public assistance, which, if granted, would provide reimbursement for state and local expenses.

Daniels has requested assistance for the core affected counties of Vanderburgh and Warrick and the contiguous counties of Dubois, Gibson, Pike, Posey and Spencer.

In his letter to the president, the governor said state and local officials have identified severe damage to homes, businesses, and public infrastructure in the affected areas.

Specifically, Daniels has requested implementation of the 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.

The Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) is providing state coordination to direct assistance to local governments. In addition, the state Military Department of Indiana, the IDHS Fire and Building Safety Division, the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, the Indiana Energy Group, and other agencies are engaged in providing requested assistance.