INDIANAPOLIS (July 1, 2008) -  Governor Mitch Daniels received word from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that two additional counties are now eligible for federal individual assistance, and eight more counties are eligible for federal public assistance.

Hendricks and Tippecanoe counties are eligible for individual assistance, and Adams, Franklin, Gibson, Hendricks, Ohio, Posey, Switzerland and Union counties are eligible for public assistance.

In addition, the two remaining state one-stop disaster assistance centers in Owen and Morgan counties will close at the end of the day on Thursday. After Thursday, storm victims may continue to receive assistance at Family and Social Services Administration Division of Family Resources offices in those counties.

The Indiana Storm Helpline (1-888-880-3749) also will cease operation at the close of business on Thursday.

There are now 39 counties in Indiana eligible for individual assistance, which can include grants to help pay for temporary housing, home repairs and other serious disaster-related expenses. Low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration also will be available to cover residential and business losses not fully compensated by insurance.

To apply for individual assistance, homeowners, renters and businesses affected by the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that occurred May 30 and continuing can apply immediately by calling 1-800-621-FEMA or for those with hearing or visual impairments call TTY 1-800-462-7585. Registration lines and on-line registration are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week until further notice.

The public assistance declaration - which now has been made for 34 Indiana counties - means state government and local governments and certain non-profit organizations in these counties are now eligible to apply for federal public assistance funds to pay 75 percent of the approved cost of debris removal, emergency services related to the disaster and repairing or replacing damaged public facilities, such as roads, buildings and utilities. Briefings to explain the application process will be held for local officials.

Counties previously approved for individual assistance are Adams, Bartholomew, Brown, Clay, Daviess, Dearborn, Decatur, Gibson, Grant, Greene, Hamilton, Hancock, Henry, Huntington, Jackson, Jefferson, Jennings, Johnson, Knox, Lawrence, Marion, Monroe, Morgan, Owen, Parke, Pike, Posey, Putnam, Randolph, Ripley, Rush, Shelby, Sullivan, Vermillion, Vigo, Washington and Wayne counties.

Counties previously approved for public assistance are Bartholomew, Brown, Clay, Daviess, Decatur, Greene, Hancock, Henry, Jackson, Jennings, Johnson, Knox, Madison, Monroe, Morgan, Owen, Parke, Pike, Putnam, Randolph, Rush, Shelby, Sullivan, Vermillion, Vigo and Washington.

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