Indianapolis (November 30, 2007) - The President of the United States has approved Governor Mitch Daniels' request for federal assistance to homeowners, renters and businesses damaged by storms that struck Northwest Indiana from August 15 to 27.

The President sent a letter today to the governor directing that Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) begin Individual Assistance for Lake County residents, including grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

The governor appealed the original decision saying that damages to residents were much more severe than originally recognized.

"We are pleased with the President's decision to provide assistance to our Lake County residents. The suffering created by these storms was severe and federal assistance will speed our recovery. Congressman Pete Visclosky was instrumental in helping us secure this positive decision," said Daniels.

FEMA said residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated counties can begin applying for assistance Saturday by registering online at http://www.fema.gov  or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (local time) Monday through Sunday.

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