Daniels, Walorski, Friend Respond To FEMA's Denial Of Aid
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Tim Robertson-trobertson@timesuniononline.com
Gov. Mitch Daniels and state legislators responded Monday to the Federal Emergency Management Agency's denial of Daniels' appeal for tornado aid for Nappanee.FEMA denied Daniels' original request, sent Nov. 2, for the federal agency to issue a major disaster declaration for Kosciusko and Elkhart counties following an EF-3 strength tornado that touched down in the Nappanee area Oct. 18 and destroyed 52 homes and 26 businesses, damaging more than 300 other buildings. Daniels submitted an appeal against FEMA's decision Dec. 7. Friday, FEMA denied the appeal. According to a statement from the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, FEMA administrator R. David Paulison stated in the letter that FEMA had determined the severity of damage caused by the storm did not warrant a major disaster declaration.
After FEMA's denial of his appeal, Daniels submitted a request for assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration. According to IDHS, a decision from SBA is expected later this week.
State Representatives Jackie Walorski and Bill Friend responded to FEMA's denial of aid by writing a bill that would appropriate $660,000 for disaster relief to Nappanee. The House bill would transfer the money from the state general fund to the IDHS and deposit it in a disaster relief fund for the city of Nappanee.
Walorski and Friend released a statement Monday expressing their disappointment with FEMA's decision and their plans to continue pursuing aid for the tornado damaged area.
"It is an outrage and wrong that FEMA denied aid to Nappanee," Walorski said. "The damage to the town was extensive and deserved some federal relief."
"I am extremely disappointed with FEMA's decision," Friend said. "It is clear to me, the rescue assistance personnel and the hard-working people of Nappanee that were on the ground and at the site that this should have been declared a disaster area. I know the people of Nappanee are working hard to rebuild their community and they deserve financial assistance."
Walorski and Friend said FEMA's denial leaves responsibility to help the tornado victims in the hands of the state.
"If the federal government will not make money available," said Walorski, "it is our job as a state to provide additional relief to what we have already given to help the victims of Nappanee."
"If this bill passes," said Friend, "it will allow the state to step up and provide these Hoosiers with much-needed relief."
