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Elkhart County declares local disaster emergency after severe winter storm

Elkhart County Board of Commissioners · January 26, 2026

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Summary

The Elkhart County Board of Commissioners unanimously adopted a local disaster emergency declaration effective Jan. 23, 2026, to unlock state and federal recovery funds after heavy snowfall and hazardous conditions.

Elkhart County officials declared a local disaster emergency Jan. 26, 2026, citing significant snowfall, hazardous travel and risks to vulnerable residents.

Steve Olson, Elkhart County attorney, told commissioners the declaration is effective Jan. 23, 2026, and would allow the county to seek state and federal reimbursement for response and recovery costs. Olson referenced Governor Braun’s statewide declaration (executive order 26‑03) and said FEMA had confirmed presidential approval for federal assistance.

The commissioners voted unanimously to adopt the declaration after a motion and second. Olson said the declaration does not change travel restrictions or road conditions but is intended to facilitate reimbursement and support for emergency services and vulnerable populations.

The board did not set a sunset date in the meeting record; Olson tied the action to Indiana Code section 10‑14‑3‑29 as the legal authority for issuing a local disaster emergency.