Nappanee to receive first-ever Indiana Disaster Relief funds

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The tornado that struck Nappanee in October resulted in millions of dollars of damage to homes and businesses. Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels was in Nappanee Friday, Jan. 25, 2008 to offer state disaster assistance. (Photo Courtesy: Chad Headley, Aerial Photojournalist, WGN in Chicago)

By Beth Boehne

Story Created: Jan 25, 2008 at 12:47 PM EST

Story Updated: Jan 31, 2008 at 9:39 PM EST

NAPPANEE — The federal government turned down Nappanee's request for aid after October’s tornado. Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels was in Nappanee Friday to make an announcement about state disaster assistance.

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The tornado in October resulted in millions of dollars of damage to homes and businesses. FEMA turned down Nappanee’s request for federal disaster assistance. The city appealed and was turned down again.

Gov. Daniels toured some of the hardest hit areas of Nappanee on Friday. He then announced he would be presenting a check to the city for nearly $200,000 in state disaster assistance.

It is the first ever use of the Indiana Disaster Relief Fund. It was created in 2006 using public safety fees on businesses that sell legal fireworks.

It is also the full amount authorized by law, and specifically designed to help victims of natural disasters who don’t otherwise qualify for help.

“The people of Nappanee, all the angels who have worked here, certainly earned the support and the love of their fellow citizens,” Gov. Daniels said. “The use of this fund will represent just one more manifestation of the way Hoosiers look out for each other.”

The city of Nappanee has already raised close to $600,000 on its own for disaster assistance for Nappanee residents.

A committee is accepting applications for aid at the United Methodist Church in Nappanee.

For residents frustrated with the denial of federal government assistance, Friday’s announcement was welcome news.

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