After a week of bad weather ripped through the area, President George W. Bush has stepped in to lend a helping hand to those in need.

Monday, Bush declared 44 counties, including Decatur; Rush; Shelby and Bartholomew, major disaster areas, which opens federal funding to residents and local agencies.

U.S. Congressman Mike Pence (R-District 6) applauded the president’s decision to help out his constinuents.

“I am pleased that the President has made these precious federal resources available to the communities of southern Indiana,” Pence said. “I will continue to pursue additional federal funding for families, businesses and family farms directly affected by the tornadoes, storms and flooding.”

The declaration means federal funding will be available to supplement any state and local recovery efforts that began June 6, according to a press release from Pence’s office.

Bush accepted the counties for the declaration as submitted by Gov. Mitch Daniels, which the presdient expedited to hopefully speed along the efforts. The assistance, which fluctuates between limited to direct, is available on a cost-sharing basis with the state, loval governments and not-for-profit organizations participating in emergency protective measures.

Federal law requires all efforts be directed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) which is also responsible for distributing 75 percent of the funds available. FEMA will also step in to appoint another federal agency if the local government is not capable of protecting property, saving lives or maintaining proper public health at the a cost to the state. These measures could include distribution of food and water, demolition of unsafe structures or providing temporary shelter. FEMA agents or recovery officials are expected to announce times and dates for explanation of the application for assistance process in each affected area sometime soon.