Indianapolis, January 30, 2026
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved a $4 million federal grant to aid Indiana communities in recovering from severe storms, including tornadoes and flooding. This funding will help restore essential services and infrastructure affected by the disasters. Allocations include funds for debris removal, roadway repairs, and power restoration. This initiative supports broader efforts, with over $12 million directed towards Indiana’s recovery from the storms.
Indianapolis, Indiana – FEMA Allocates $4 Million for Storm Recovery
Indianapolis, Indiana – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved $4 million in federal grant funding to assist Indiana communities in their recovery from severe storms, including tornadoes and flooding, that occurred in the spring of 2025. This funding aims to support the restoration of critical infrastructure and essential services impacted by the disasters.
Details of the Funding Allocation
The allocated funds will be distributed across various counties and projects as follows:
- $435,000 for debris removal from roads and public properties in Bartholomew, Clark, Morgan, and Warrick counties.
- $444,000 for critical roadway repairs in Decatur, Warrick, and Vanderburgh counties.
- $133,000 for repairs to Owen Valley High School facilities damaged by the storms.
- $463,000 to restore essential power services for communities served by South Central Indiana Rural Electric Membership Corporation.
- $384,000 to the city of Anderson to repair destroyed power poles and lines and restore its power distribution system.
FEMA is reimbursing these costs at no less than a 75% federal share through its Public Assistance Program, which helps state and local governments recover from major disasters. This initiative is part of a broader effort, with more than $12 million distributed to Indiana for recovery from the storms.
Background on the Storms and Recovery Efforts
In the spring of 2025, Indiana experienced severe weather events, including tornadoes and flooding, that caused significant damage across multiple counties. In response to these events, FEMA declared a disaster for parts of Indiana, making federal funds available for recovery efforts. The recent allocation of $4 million is part of this ongoing support to help communities rebuild and restore essential services.
Additional Support and Resources
Beyond the federal funding, the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) has been actively involved in assisting residents and local governments. The State Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF) has been opened to provide aid to individuals and communities affected by the storms. This fund is designed to help Hoosiers recover when personal insurance and federal subsidies are unavailable or insufficient. The SDRF can assist with repairing public roads and bridges, reimbursing response costs, and clearing debris to make roadways passable again. As of July 1, 2024, the maximum payout for the SDRF to individuals is $25,000, though this amount is not guaranteed. Insurance remains the primary means of protection for residents during disasters.
Residents are encouraged to apply for assistance through the SDRF and to stay informed about available resources to aid in their recovery process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of the $4 million FEMA grant?
The $4 million FEMA grant is allocated to assist Indiana communities in recovering from severe storms, including tornadoes and flooding, that occurred in the spring of 2025. The funding aims to support the restoration of critical infrastructure and essential services impacted by the disasters.
How will the FEMA funds be distributed?
The funds will be distributed across various counties and projects, including debris removal, roadway repairs, school facility repairs, and restoration of power services. Specific allocations include $435,000 for debris removal, $444,000 for roadway repairs, $133,000 for school repairs, $463,000 for power restoration, and $384,000 for the city of Anderson’s power distribution system repairs.
What is the Public Assistance Program?
The Public Assistance Program is a FEMA initiative that helps state and local governments recover from major disasters by reimbursing costs associated with debris removal, emergency protective measures, and the restoration of public infrastructure. In this case, FEMA is reimbursing these costs at no less than a 75% federal share.
What is the State Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF)?
The State Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF) is a program managed by the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) to assist residents and local governments in times of disaster when personal insurance and federal subsidies are unavailable or insufficient. The SDRF can help with repairing public roads and bridges, reimbursing response costs, and clearing debris to make roadways passable again. As of July 1, 2024, the maximum payout for the SDRF to individuals is $25,000, though this amount is not guaranteed.
How can residents apply for assistance through the SDRF?
Residents can apply for assistance through the SDRF by contacting the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS). The application process is designed to streamline funding to residents and local governments in need, especially when other forms of assistance are unavailable or insufficient. For more information, residents should visit the IDHS website or contact their local IDHS office.
Key Features of the $4 Million FEMA Grant
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Grant Amount | $4 million |
| Purpose | Assist Indiana communities in recovering from severe storms, including tornadoes and flooding, that occurred in the spring of 2025. |
| Funding Allocation | Distributed across various counties and projects, including debris removal, roadway repairs, school facility repairs, and restoration of power services. |
| Reimbursement Rate | No less than a 75% federal share through FEMA’s Public Assistance Program. |
| Total FEMA Funding for Indiana | More than $12 million distributed for recovery from the storms. |
| SDRF Maximum Payout | As of July 1, 2024, the maximum payout for the SDRF to individuals is $25,000, though this amount is not guaranteed. |
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