Walorski and Friend file bill seeking $660,000 in disaster relief for Nappanee

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Walorski and Friend file bill seeking $660,000 in disaster relief for Nappanee

Photo Courtesy: Chad Headley, Aerial Photojournalist, WGN in Chicago

By Beth Boehne

Story Created: Jan 7, 2008 at 2:19 PM EST

Story Updated: Jan 7, 2008 at 4:18 PM EST

INDIANAPOLIS — Two state lawmakers plan to introduce a bill to appropriate $660,000 for disaster relief to the northern Indiana town of Nappanee, where 352 homes and 107 businesses were damaged by a tornado in October.

The bill is being introduced because the Federal Emergency Management Agency rejected Nappanee's request for disaster assistance, said Rep. Jackie Walorski, R-Lakeville.

“It is an outrage and wrong that FEMA denied aid to Nappanee,” said Rep. Walorski in a press release. “The damage to the town was extensive and deserved some federal relief.

“FEMA has historically and repeatedly allowed $3 million to $4 million homes in Malibu, Calif., to be rebuilt in the same path of disaster, and we cannot get money because we are too industrious in helping ourselves. If the federal government will not make money available, it is our job as a state to provide additional relief to what we have already given to help the victims of Nappanee.”

Elkhart County Emergency Management officials found the tornado damaged 459 buildings — destroying 52 homes and 26 businesses. Walorski and state Rep. Bill Friend, R-Macy, said Monday that insurance estimates expected more than $10 million in damage to the Nappanee area.

“I am extremely disappointed with FEMA’s decision,” said Rep. Friend in the release. “It is clear to me, the rescue assistance personnel and the hard working people of Nappanee that were on the ground and at the site that this should have been declared a disaster area. I know the people of Nappanee are working hard to rebuild their community, and they deserve financial assistance. If this bill passes, it will allow the state to step up and provide these Hoosiers with much-needed relief.”

The bill would transfer $660,000 from the state general fund to the state Department of Homeland Security to be deposited in Nappanee's disaster relief fund.

Gov. Mitch Daniels appealed FEMA's decision to deny disaster relief to Nappanee. That appeal was denied last week.

Graig Lubsen, a spokesman for House Republicans, said the $660,000 appropriation was based on the amount of money the city of Nappanee estimates it is in the red because of the tornado.

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