Published: October 06, 2009 11:27 pm      

Indiana Congressional team asking FEMA to reverse aid denial

Joining Gov. Mitch Daniels, the Indiana Congressional delegation has sent a letter encouraging the Federal Emergency Management Agency to reconsider declaring several Hoosier counties disaster areas as a result of Aug. 4 flooding.

According to a news release from 9th District Rep. Baron Hill, the letter highlighted new damage assessments that “came to light when the Indiana Department of Homeland Security reopened its various information gathering systems.”

Floyd and Clark counties are included in the relief request, which could entail public and individual assistance. In September, President Barack Obama rejected aid based on FEMA reports.

But Aug. 4 was not an isolated event, Hill argues. He said the letter stresses many Indiana counties have been impacted by flooding and wind damage on several occasions over the past year.

Hill said he spoke with Charlie Axton, acting administrator for disaster assistance for FEMA, during a telephone call Tuesday.

“I told Mr. Axton that I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t ask him to change his decision,” Hill said. “People are really hurting, and he needs to know that.”