Ind. Gov. Signs Executive Order to Expedite Business Reconstruction

Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels took further action this week to assist people in Vanderburgh and Warrick counties who suffered damage from tornadoes and severe storms on Nov. 6.

The governor signed Executive Order 05-33 that waives all state fees for reconstruction plans for commercial and industrial buildings and multi-family housing dwellings subject to state review that were damaged or destroyed during the storms.

According to state code, the Indiana Department of Homeland Security’s Building Compliance Officer issues a design release before construction can begin. A design release fee, based on a fixed filing fee of $69 plus 4 cents per square foot of building area, has been established by the Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission.

The waiver, which is effective for 30 days, should expedite the rebuilding process in the affected areas.

Daniels also sent a letter to Acting FEMA Director David Paulison today to request supplemental federal disaster grants in the form of public assistance. This is a federal program that would reimburse the state and counties for not less than 75 percent of the more than $8 million in public costs related to the recovery, repair, and reconstruction of areas damaged by the tornados.

In addition, representatives from the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration and Department of Insurance are working in the FEMA Assistance Center to help local residents identify any additional state or federal aid they may be eligible for and to help address any problems or improper delays with the processing of insurance claims.