U.S. Sen. Jim Banks and Gary Mayor Eddie Melton took their plea for federal aid directly to President Donald Trump, speaking with him on the phone after recent storms caused up to $5 billion in estimated damage across the state.
Banks, R-IN, toured Gary in northwestern Indiana where a likely derecho on Aug. 11 uprooted trees, damaged homes and left widespread destruction. Experts say the weather phenomenon is akin to an “inland hurricane.”
Thousands of Gary’s residents have since been left without power for weeks, in which some likened the situation to something apocalyptic. Gov. Mike Braun has called for an investigation into the prolonged outage.
“The devastation our city has experienced demands swift, decisive and unified action at every level of government,” said Melton in a news release.
Gary mayor speaks with Trump after residents left in the dark for weeks
Melton, in a prepared statement, thanked Banks for witnessing Gary’s devastation and recovery efforts firsthand while speaking with residents. The two later sat down for a phone call with Trump, in which Melton “made it clear,” he said, that more assistance is needed.
“In my conversation with President Trump, I made it clear that Gary needs immediate access to FEMA resources to support our recovery,” Melton said in a news release. “This federal assistance is critical to restoring our neighborhoods, rebuilding our community and making sure Gary emerges from this storm stronger and more resilient than before.”
IndyStar reached out to the mayor’s office for more information concerning Melton’s phone call with Trump but heard nothing back before this article’s publication. More information will be added as it becomes available.
Trump declared an emergency for Indiana and mobilized FEMA on Aug. 15 shortly after floodwaters wreaked havoc in places like Hamilton County and in New Castle. A major disaster declaration, which is a step up, would unlock more money to assist many Hoosiers who are struggling to make ends meet as they deal with significant damage to their homes.
Both Gov. Braun and Sen. Banks have authored letters to Trump asking for federal assistance.
Gov. Braun promises more assistance for Hoosiers
As Hoosiers across the state deal with the fallout, Braun has pledged more assistance.
“In the aftermath of historic storms, power outages, and flooding, the cleanup is significant. Debris management is a significant need in many of our communities. We are deploying state crews and hiring contractors to assist our communities and local governments in getting debris removal and cleanup underway immediately,” Braun said in a news release issued Monday, Aug. 24.
“Whether you’re dealing with downed tree limbs, household items damaged by flood or other debris, get those items to the curb and we will get them removed,” Braun said.
The governor’s office encouraged Hoosiers to contact 211 for resources such as food, baby supplies, and charging stations.
Visit IN211.communityos.org for assistance. If households need help getting debris to the curb, they should contact 211, a news release stated.