Oct. 6--Gov. Mitch Daniels was told Friday night President George W. Bush has approved Clark, Crawford, Dearborn, Jackson, Knox, Lawrence, Martin, Pike, Spencer and Switzerland counties for federal assistance for homeowners, renters and businesses damaged by severe weather that began Sept. 12.

That brings to 16 the number of Indiana counties that have been designated for federal assistance. Jennings and othercounties were added to the list Sept. 26.

The state will identify locations to provide disaster services in the region, and the governor will ask the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture to allow emergency food stamp distribution for storm victims. More information will be available early next week.

Federal Emergency Management Agency assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster. Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

Residents and business owners who sustained losses in those counties can begin applying for FEMA assistance by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY).

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