Senator Banks Applauds Presidential Disaster Declaration For Indiana Following Monday Phone Call With President Trump

FORT WAYNE, Ind. -- Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) released the following statement after President Donald Trump approved a Major Disaster Declaration for Indiana, unlocking federal assistance for Hoosiers and communities recovering from the severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and historic flooding that began on August 11, 2026.

The Presidential Disaster Declaration comes one day after Senator Banks and Gary Mayor Eddie Melton called President Trump to update him on the state of Northwest Indiana storm recovery efforts and the importance of federal support.

Sen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.): "When I spoke to President Trump on Monday, he was eager to do anything he could to help Indiana rebuild. I am extremely grateful to President Trump for his swift approval of Indiana's request for a disaster declaration. This will allow communities and families across our state to apply for much-needed federal assistance as they seek to rebuild."

Read FEMA Federal Disaster Fact Sheet here or below:

Background:

The declaration makes Individual Assistance available to eligible residents in Carroll, Dearborn, Decatur, Delaware, Fayette, Franklin, Hamiliton, Hancock, Henry, Lake, LaPorte, Madison, Marion, Morgan, Porter, Pulaski, Randolph, Rush, Tipton, Union, and Wayne counties. Individual Assistance can help eligible Hoosiers with uninsured or underinsured disaster-related expenses and other serious needs.

Public Assistance is available in Delaware, Fayette, Franklin, Hamiliton, Henry, Lake, LaPorte, Madison, Porter, Tipton, and Wayne counties. The program provides federal funding to state and local governments and certain nonprofit organizations for debris removal, emergency protective measures and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities.

Hoosiers can apply for assistance at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling FEMA's helpline at 1-800-621-3362. Additional counties may be designated following further assessments

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