INDIANAPOLIS (WLKI)- Gov. Mike Braun said Indiana has enough money available to help cover storm recovery costs regardless of whether the federal government approves additional assistance.
Flooding across central Indiana and destructive winds in the northwestern portion of the state caused millions of dollars in damage. The storms displaced more than 1,000 families and contributed to at least seven deaths statewide.
According to the Indiana Capital Chronicle, state officials are gathering information about damage to homes, businesses, roads and bridges before submitting a request for a major federal disaster declaration.
Braun estimated that thousands of homes may have been affected. A major disaster declaration could make residents and businesses eligible for additional federal recovery programs.
President Donald Trump previously approved an emergency declaration covering 53 Indiana counties. That assistance can reimburse some state and local expenses connected to evacuations, shelters, water rescues and other immediate response operations.
Federal assistance under the emergency declaration is capped at $5 million.
Braun expressed confidence that Indiana could pay additional recovery costs if federal aid is limited or unavailable. The state had nearly $4 billion in cash reserves at the end of June, providing officials with another potential source of recovery funding.
The governor also expressed some agreement with Trump's position that states should assume greater responsibility for disaster response. Braun noted that federal disaster assistance is supported through borrowed money.
Indiana's State Disaster Relief Fund has been replenished to $5 million after earlier payments lowered its balance to about $2 million.
The fund provides emergency grants of up to $5,000 to displaced families. The money can be used for food, clothing and other immediate necessities while residents wait for insurance payments or determine whether their homes are safe to occupy.
Residents can apply for assistance by calling 211 or using the state's online disaster assistance system.
Indiana's disaster fund began the summer with a balance of about $5 million. It held about $10 million before the state paid claims connected to storms and flooding in March 2025.
The fund receives money from a portion of Indiana's tax on fireworks sales. That tax generated about $1 million for the fund during the 2025 fiscal year.
State Senate Democrats called on Braun to release emergency state funding directly to local governments. They also requested additional cleanup assistance, equipment, personnel and temporary housing for displaced families.
State officials will continue documenting damage before submitting the request for a major disaster declaration to the Trump administration.