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Monroe County officials, nonprofits and SBA outline recovery help after May 16 tornado
Summary
Public speakers described severe damage to a local equine therapy center, federal loan options and a local disaster recovery center that will close June 18; county and nonprofit resources and donation programs remain available.
Christine Herring, executive director of People and Animal Learning Services (PALS), told the Monroe County Board of Commissioners on June 12 that the May 16 tornado “devastated our facility,” destroying a barn, indoor arena, several pastures and a home on PALS property while staff and volunteers moved horses to temporary homes.
The loss has not stopped the program, Herring said: “With the immediate and generous support of the community near and far, we've made real progress. We've shored up our fencing. We're starting to return our horses to our facility.” Herring said program operations will resume soon in an outdoor arena but that specific insurance settlement numbers are “too soon” to provide.
Steven Clark, a representative of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Field Operations Center East, briefed the board on SBA physical disaster loan assistance available to homeowners, renters, nonprofits and small businesses affected by the storms. Clark said a disaster loan outreach center is open at Ivy Tech, 200 Daniels Way, Room B201, through 3 p.m. Wednesday, June 18, and warned Monroe County residents not to miss the SBA physical damage loan application deadline of July 29.
Clark explained eligibility and typical loan limits: homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 for home repairs, nonprofits and businesses generally up to $2,000,000, and homeowners and renters up to $100,000 for personal property losses. He also emphasized that applicants may apply before receiving an insurance settlement and that loan awards can be adjusted for uncompensated losses.
County staff reiterated local recovery resources: the Monroe County Disaster Recovery Center and Disaster Loan Outreach Center hours (Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–5 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.–3 p.m.) and the disaster center’s scheduled permanent closure at 3 p.m. June 18. The Bloomington Foundation’s rural repair program and township trustees were named as application points for repair grants, and the county’s health department and public health clinic continue to offer free COVID tests and vaccines.
The board also announced that more than 400 acres were donated to the Monroe County Parks and Recreation Department for a new park on the county’s east side, bordered roughly by Smith Road, East Moores Pike and State Road 446. Commissioners described the property as a long-term community asset amid recovery efforts.
No formal motions or votes were required for the public updates and announcements. The board encouraged residents affected by the storms to visit the recovery center and contact stated SBA officials for loan application assistance before the listed deadlines.
