Putnam County flood aid increased

Saturday, July 5, 2008

President George Bush announced earlier this week that additional disaster assistance has been made available to the State of Indiana in the form of Public Assistance programming.

The state, which was hit hard by flooding beginning on June 6, was initially declared a major disaster and made eligible for federal funding for emergency protective services.

State and local governments and certain non-profit organizations are now eligible to apply for federal Public Assistance (PA) funds to pay 90 percent of the approved costs for damages.

This is an increase from the original 75 percent which was authorized earlier.

"This is really going to help out in Putnam County," said County Planner Kim Hyten.

PA is typically used by county government agencies to repair infrastructures like roads and bridges as well as debris removal and overtime for emergency personnel.

"Every extra cent we get will be put to good use," added Hyten.

The increase to 90 percent Federal share is retroactive to the date of the President's major disaster declaration for the state.

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