INDIANAPOLIS (November 7, 2005) ? Governor Mitch Daniels today declared a statewide emergency and asked President George W. Bush for federal assistance for Hoosiers devastated by a tornado and severe storms that affected parts of Indiana during early morning hours on November 6.

The governor is seeking assistance that would qualify Indiana for individual and disaster assistance. In the next few days, Daniels is also expected to ask for public assistance, which, if granted, would provide reimbursement for state and local expenses.

?I heard from FEMA Director Paulison yesterday, and President Bush called this morning from Panama. We appreciate their prompt response. The most important work right now is what is being done on site in Vanderburgh and Warrick counties by Hoosier professionals and volunteers,? said Daniels.

Daniels visited damaged areas of both counties on Sunday afternoon, and will return to the affected areas on Tuesday afternoon. He has requested assistance for the core affected counties of Vanderburgh and Warrick and the contiguous counties of Dubois, Gibson, Pike, Posey and Spencer.

In his letter to the president, the governor said state and local officials have identified severe damage to homes, businesses, and public infrastructure in the affected areas.

Specifically, Daniels has requested implementation of the Individual Assistance Programs, which include disaster housing, disaster unemployment assistance, crisis counseling and individual and household programs, as well as hazard mitigation and Small Business Administration disaster loans.

The Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) is providing state coordination to direct assistance to local governments. In addition, the state Military Department of Indiana, the IDHS Fire and Building Safety Division, the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, the Indiana Energy Group, and other agencies are engaged in providing requested assistance.

Here are links to the governor?s letter to President Bush and his executive order declaring a state of emergency.

Letter:http://www.in.gov/gov/media/tornado_assist.pdf

Executive Order:http://www.in.gov/gov/media/eo/EO_05-31.pdf