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Dearborn County ratifies two disaster declarations and a travel advisory after April flooding
Summary
County commissioners ratified disaster declarations authorized April 5 and April 11, approved a travel advisory, and discussed state and federal steps for individual assistance after recent flooding.
Dearborn County commissioners voted to ratify two local disaster declarations tied to flooding this month, approved a travel advisory that had been in effect, and discussed next steps that could lead to federal assistance.
The commissioners approved a motion ratifying the county’s disaster emergency declaration initially authorized on April 5, 2025, and a subsequent declaration authorized April 11, 2025. Jayden Sullivan, EMS/EMA, told the board he was seeking formal approval of both documents so the county could proceed with recovery actions and potential state or federal requests.
The approvals matter because county ratification is a step toward seeking broader aid. Sullivan said the declarations open the door for FEMA to consider a federal emergency or disaster declaration; he advised residents to call 211 for immediate assistance and registration of damage reports. Sullivan and other staff reported the county had issued a travel advisory during the flooding (orange watch on April 5, downgraded April 10, lifted April 13) and commissioners approved the advisory as presented.
Commissioners noted the governor had issued a statewide emergency proclamation that included Dearborn County; staff said that action supports the county’s efforts to compile documentation and coordinate with state emergency management. Sullivan described the county as still "in the hands of FEMA" regarding individual assistance and said a presidential disaster declaration would expand aid options.
During the discussion commissioners thanked public safety and utility workers for recovery efforts and asked staff to continue coordinating debris removal and road reopenings. Board members also discussed next steps for outreach, including encouraging residents to use 211 and participate in damage reporting.
The board took the votes by voice; the meeting record shows each motion carried.
Commands approved at the meeting related to the flooding included ratification of the April 5 declaration, ratification of the April 11 extended declaration, and approval of the travel advisory and its lifting timeline. Commissioners also acknowledged the governor’s action including Dearborn County and requested staff continue FEMA coordination and community outreach.
