FEMA Administrator Cameron Hamilton visited flood- and storm-damaged communities in Indiana this week as federal and state officials discussed efforts to speed recovery work.
Hamilton toured affected areas with Gov. Mike Braun, state emergency management officials and local leaders. Stops included the Mettel Field debris collection site and a damaged bridge in Carmel.
FEMA said the visit focused on state- and locally led recovery and the federal agency's role in supporting Indiana. The source announcement did not specify the date of the storms, the number of communities affected or the amount of assistance involved.
Hamilton said federal officials want to reduce delays that keep states from receiving recovery funds. He linked a faster process to community economic recovery and efforts to rebuild with greater resilience.
The administrator also said disaster recovery should be led by the governments and communities closest to the damage, with federal agencies supporting their work rather than slowing it.
FEMA said it will continue working with Indiana to identify opportunities to accelerate program requirements. The agency also said changes must preserve accountability and oversight of taxpayer funds.
The visit was part of an administration effort to emphasize a larger state role in disaster response and recovery. No new grant, declaration or application deadline was announced.
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