Ind. Governor Seeks Federal Disaster Aid for Flooded Counties

Governor Mitch Daniels is requesting federal assistance for people affected by flooding earlier this month in northern Indiana.

Daniels declared a disaster emergency in the area on Wednesday and sent a letter to President Bush asking for federal aid.

Three people, including two children, died in the flooding that began January 7.

The letter says more than 800 homes were damaged, with as many as 400 destroyed or having major damage. Nearly 1,000 people have been displaced, it said.

The letter seeks assistance including disaster housing, unemployment assistance and U.S. Small Business Administration disaster loans for nine counties: Carroll, Cass, Elkhart, Fulton, Jasper, Marshall, Pulaski, Tippecanoe and White.