NAPPANEE - The Federal Emergency Management Agency denied Nappanee's request for disaster assistance after a tornado destroyed homes and damaged businesses in the area Oct. 18.
According to FEMA, tornado damage in the area was not severe enough for a federal disaster declaration and assistance.
The EF-3 strength storm affected almost 400 residential and more than 100 commercial buildings. Of those affected, 51 homes were destroyed, 137 sustained major damage and 201 sustained minor damage. Businesses that were damaged include three recreational vehicle plants that are among the largest employers in the Nappanee area.
U.S. Rep. Mark Souder released a statement Thursday, protesting FEMA's decision.
"It is laughable for FEMA to say that this area is not a disaster zone, and it makes a mockery of federal declarations," Souder wrote.
According to Souder, though many homes were insured and are being rebuilt and repaired in Nappanee, several lower-income homes were destroyed and Nappanee has few local options for alternative housing.
"FEMA's decision suggests that, if the middle class takes care of itself, then the federal government can abandon those with lower incomes, because the percentage of federal assistance would not surpass a certain government threshold," Souder wrote. "It also suggests that a double standard exists: If a small percentage of a big California city is damaged, they will be covered, but if small-town America gets hammered, we will be ignored."
State and local officials may appeal FEMA's decision.
