(Washington, DC) - Like the letter of support for Governor Daniels’ request for a Major Disaster Area Declaration for the State of Indiana and Hazard Mitigation statewide as a result of severe storm weather from August 4 – August 9, 2009, Congressman Baron Hill has now spearheaded the letter of support from the Indiana congressional delegation to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) advocating the Governor’s appeal.  In addition, Hill spoke with a FEMA official this afternoon regarding the present situation.

The delegation’s letter emphasizes the new damage information that came to light when the Indiana Department of Homeland Security reopened its various information-gathering systems.  For example, the State found that an additional 210 residents reported damage to their homes.  And, the letter stresses that many of the counties affected by the early August weather have also been subject to flooding, intense winds, and other severe weather over the past year. 

Hill also spoke with Charlie Axton, Acting Administrator for Disaster Assistance for FEMA, this afternoon via telephone.  Hill asked about the appeal process, was brought up to speed on where FEMA is right now regarding Indiana’s appeal, and urged Axton to overturn his decision.

“I told Mr. Axton that I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t ask him to change his decision,” Hill said.  “People are really hurting, and he needs to know that.”