FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
From the White House to the Statehouse Sen. Hershman
works to bring relief, rebuilding to flood victims
(STATEHOUSE) – State Sen. Brandt Hershman (R-Wheatfield) said while working with the White House to set federal disaster relief in motion, his efforts at the Statehouse may help some Northern Indiana residents rebuild their homes.
Hershman said Hoosiers affected by severe flooding earlier this month will receive federal disaster relief due to a declaration made by President Bush, in addition they may soon be able to rebuild their homes, following action this week by the Indiana Senate.
“I am encouraged by the president’s decision to provide federal relief for flood victims in northern Indiana,” Hershman said. “This means many Hoosiers will receive the necessary relief needed to rebuild their lives and homes.”
Hershman contacts the White House
Hershman contacted the White House directly, writing President Bush a personal letter in support of Gov. Daniels’ request for federal aid. The president’s action today makes federal assistance available to people affected by flooding in Carroll, Cass, Elkhart, Fulton, Jasper, Marshall, Pulaski, Tippecanoe and White counties.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) says assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs.
“I’ve seen first-hand the damage and devastation caused to more than 800 homes and to the lives of flood victims,” Hershman said. “However we need to ensure that state policies are in place to help Hoosiers get their lives back to normal as quickly as possible after a natural disaster now and in the future.”
Hershman takes action on the state level
Hershman, while working with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) identified problems before the Jan. 8 flooding occurred and had shepherded a bill through the Indiana Senate which gives homeowners the flexibility needed to rebuild after a natural disaster.
Hershman worked to simplify the red tape caused by differences between state and federal regulations. Hershman said Senate Bill 104 would help some people to rebuild by making the process easier.
“Currently, residents whose homes were 50 percent destroyed are not able to rebuild,” Hershman said. “However, this legislation would give affected residents flexibility if the reconstruction meets FEMA guidelines.”
Hershman’s bill passed the Senate this week and moves to the Indiana House of Representative for further consideration. The bill would align the DNR with FEMA’s regulations, which allow homes in a floodway to be built two feet above the 100-year flood level.
Another provision streamlines the application and administrative process local governments must follow to receive low interest rate loans. Hershman said obtaining loans are necessary in order to fix levees and provide other flood control maintenance.
Residents and business owners who are affected by severe flooding in Carroll, Cass, Elkhart, Fulton, Jasper, Marshall, Pulaski, Tippecanoe, and White counties can apply for assistance today by registering online at www.fema.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week.
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Hershman represents Senate District 7, which includes
Carroll, Clinton, Howard, Jasper, Tippecanoe and White counties.
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