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Jackson County discusses disaster declaration to seek FEMA funding after March storms
Summary
EMA Director Toby Ortman told commissioners the Indiana Department of Homeland Security requested a county disaster declaration covering March 30 to the present to pursue FEMA funds for tornado, flood and storm damage; commissioners agreed to proceed pending highway department damage estimates.
EMA Director Toby Ortman told the Jackson County Board of Commissioners that the Indiana Department of Homeland Security had asked whether the county would declare a disaster to pursue Federal Emergency Management Agency funds for tornadoes, floods and strong storms affecting the county beginning March 30.
"They asked about a disaster declaration so that we could attempt to gain funds from FEMA," Ortman said, and he said he needs to coordinate with the Superintendent of County Highways to determine the number of days and the extent of damage to include in a formal declaration. Commissioner Drew Markel said the board could approve a declaration pending that highway information.
Commissioner Matt Reedy asked that the request include removal of tree and bridge debris, specifically citing the White River Bridge on Baseline, and Ortman said debris removal could be included in a FEMA request if documented. No formal disaster declaration vote appears in the record; the board directed staff to gather the highway damage details and proceed accordingly.
