INDIANAPOLIS – More than $2 million in federal funding has been approved for homeowners, renters and business owners since the president issued a major disaster declaration for Indiana. Individual Assistance was made available March 9 to augment state and local recovery efforts after severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes caused extensive damage Feb. 29 to March 3 in Clark, Jefferson, Ripley, Scott, Warrick and Washington counties.

As of close of business April 5, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials report

$1,170, 415.94 has been approved to fund expenses not covered by insurance or other programs. Such expenses include temporary rental assistance, repair and replacement of essential household items, and disaster-related medical, dental or funeral costs. FEMA reports 1,339 registrations have been received. Field inspectors are completing home inspections within 36 hours of registration, and 533 inspections have been completed.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) reports $990,800 in low interest disaster loans have been approved thus far to homeowners, renters, businesses and non-profits. SBA has issued 813 home loan applications and 171 business loan applications, and urges those receiving applications to return them as soon as possible.

Sellersburg Disaster Recovery Center

A Disaster Recovery Center at Ivy Tech College in Sellersburg will remain open until 6 p.m. on Friday, April 13. Hoosiers have just a few days left to meet with federal specialists about recovery assistance. More than 660 Hoosiers have visited the center, where specialists to answer questions about FEMA recovery programs and customer service representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) help individuals complete SBA low interest disaster loan applications. The center, which was opened through a FEMA-state partnership March 13, will be closed on Easter. Otherwise, it will remain open from

9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through April 13.

FEMA Mitigation community outreach events schedule

FEMA specialists spoke with 1,066 Hoosiers during community outreach events in building supply stores this week. FEMA specialists explained simple steps to reduce future storm damage Tuesday and Wednesday at Ryan’s Ace Hardware in Evansville. Specialists will continue meeting with Indiana residents through next week at building supply stores in Clarksville, Evansville, Madison, New Albany, Newburgh and Sellersburg.