According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), eight days after President Obama issued a major disaster declaration for Indiana, nearly $734,000 in disaster assistance grants were approved.

FEMA and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security reported in April that a total of 464 residents applied for assistance with Carroll County being one of the 13 designated counties. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) issued 314 applications and over 60 people visited one of the five Disaster Recovery Centers. For information regarding a SBA application, call (800) 659-2955 or go to sba.gov.

The Individuals and Household Program reportedly approved $733,565 in grants for temporary disaster housing, repair of disasterdamage, uninsured homes back to safe, sanitary and functional conditions and for replacement grants for serious disaster-related needs and expenses not covered by insurance or other assistance programs.

Federal and state officials urge homeowners, renters and businesses affected by the severe storms and flooding of March 8-14 to apply for assistance by contacting FEMA seven days a week, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., at (800) 621- 3362. On-line registration is available 24-hours, seven days a week at disasterassistance. gov.