Hi, I'm Steve Crider with FEMA. This is an Indiana Disaster Update for 
June 12, 2009.

Total federal disaster assistance for Indiana over the past 18 months has now surpassed $365 million. 

Since January 30, 2008 Indiana has been hit hard by mother nature, receiving five presidential disaster declarations.

This includes getting slammed by remnants of Hurricane Ike and also last year's record Flood of 2008. 

That declaration began with numerous tornado outbreaks across the state followed by torrential rains that caused major flooding in many cities including Martinsville, Paragon, Columbus and Terre Haute.  

This flood also resulted in the temporary closing of Columbus Regional Hospital in Bartholomew County. 

Total assistance figures include more than $101 million dollars in Individual assistance distributed to 48,500 Hoosier applicants.

Also, more than $150 million was allocated for public assistance projects. This includes over $71 million to help reopen Columbus Regional Hospital. 

The U.S. Small Business Administration also made close to $114 million in disaster loans to individuals and businesses of all sizes.

Total numbers are expected to increase as more public assistance projects are finalized and hazard mitigation projects begin in an effort to reduce the impact of future disasters. 

FEMA recognizes the efforts of all its state and local partners in the recovery efforts of the past year and a half. It has been a strong partnership and an important factor in the recovery.

We would also like to remind everyone of the importance of flood insurance. For more information go to www.floodsmart.gov.

Thank you.