Flood assistance still available

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Putnam County EMA Director Kim Hyten is looking for anyone who has reported flood damage and not had a site visit by FEMA representatives.

Persons with damage should call Hyten's office at 765-653-5727 and leave their name and address so representatives can check the damage.

Hyten and the Local Coordinating Committee put together under the guidance of the Putnam County United Way, are also looking for individuals who may need help with flood damage repairs but cannot afford even the Small business Administration's (SBA) loan program.

"We want to help people like seniors on a fixed income with some of the Lilly grant money available, but we need to hear from them. We may not be able to help with all the repairs but we can contribute some," Hyten told the Banner Graphic.

The monies, which Hyten is referring, are from a Lilly Endowment grant that could provide up to $100,000 to Putnam County in additional flood relief.

A Local Coordinating Committee has been formed (and is still accepting members) to assess and make recommendations for the best use of the monies.

According to Hyten the committee is looking for individuals who need assistance with flood damage and cannot afford a SBA loan.

They are also looking at finding permanent fixes for areas with damage.

"This grant money is intended for long-term fixes not just band-aids for problems," reported Coordinator Dick Andis to the Banner Graphic last week.

"It may be used for immediate emergency needs and for assistance in planning and facilitation efforts related to prioritizing a county's needs for support," he said.

In related news, two representatives from FEMA addressed the Putnam County Commissioners Monday night where they urged them to apply for aid that could help the county recover some of the costs associated with the June floods.

Many roads were washed out by the floods and emergency repairs had to be made.

The county may be eligible to have 75 percent of its costs reimbursed by the federal government, according to the FEMA officials at the meeting.

In some cases, the feds may even chip in 90 percent, however, it is less likely. Hurricane Katrina was the first time FEMA used the 90-percent reimbursement.

Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels recently joined governors from other states to petition President Bush to consider allowing for the 90-percent reimbursement, but a decision has not been made.

Aid is available for flooding that occurred between May 30 and June 23, according to the FEMA officials. The county has 60 days from its initial meeting with FEMA to apply for the aid.

Meanwhile, non-profits may also apply for aid to repair flood damage.

They have until Aug. 20 to apply.

Non-profits are also urged to contact the county EMA office.

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