Storm damage victims urged to report damage to the Dept. of Homeland Security

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - Since the storm on June 29, local and county officials have been working to apply for aid in cleaning up widespread damage.

The Allen County Board of Commissioners ratified an emergency declaration that included storm damage Monday morning.

“We can make a plea to the state under the emergency declaration and get the state to come in to hopefully help us with some of the cost,” Commissioner Nelson Peters said.

The City of Fort Wayne has estimated the damage from the storm to cost more than $1.2 million.

Any aid received would help cover expenses in crew overtime, hiring contractors, recovering losses and fuel costs, city spokesman Frank Suarez said.

Financial assistance could also open the possibility for individual property owners to apply for Small Business Administration loans.

“That would be good for a business or for a home and it would be a very low interest loan that they would qualify for to help make the repairs that they need to make,” Suarez said.

Property owners are urged to report any damage to the Department of Homeland Security to help expedite the assessment process.

Click here to report damage.