Indiana to host FEMA pilot program for faster disaster recovery

State and federal emergency officials in Indiana have announced a new FEMA test pilot program designed to accelerate disaster recovery following catastrophic storms and flooding. The severe weather, which included a destructive derecho with hurricane-force winds, impacted more than half of the state's counties and caused significant infrastructure damage, including the collapse of the Hazel Dell Parkway bridge in Carmel.

FEMA Administrator Cameron Hamilton stated that the pilot program will shift from a traditional reimbursement model to an advanced payment model. By providing upfront payments based on early cost estimates rather than waiting for actual costs to be finalized, the agency aims to speed up recovery and avoid the 10% to 15% annual escalation in storm recovery costs.

Governor Mike Braun noted that the state secured an emergency declaration more quickly than anticipated. The program is intended to ensure that state-eligible reimbursements are dispersed faster to help communities recover before costs rise.