Louisville District supports federal and state debris recovery across 11 Indiana counties
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville District is supporting the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s disaster recovery efforts in Indiana by monitoring debris collection and removal operations in 11 impacted counties.
At FEMA’s request, Louisville District technical experts are documenting debris-removal activities conducted under state and local municipal contracts. Their reports will help FEMA track removal progress, document ongoing operations and assess compliance with eligibility requirements as the agency makes decisions on federal disaster-relief assistance.
Bob Burick, Louisville District Emergency Management chief explained how USACE provides FEMA with the technical information needed to understand what is happening on the ground and make informed decisions about disaster assistance.
The Louisville District team is monitoring operations in Lake, LaPorte, Porter, Delaware, Fayette, Franklin, Hamilton, Henry, Madison, Tipton and Wayne counties.
The mission began Sept. 3, when Ryan Martin, with the Louisville District deployed with Gary Lammers with the Vicksburg District to conduct debris assessments in 11 Indiana counties included in the federal disaster declaration for FEMA Public Assistance. After receiving the assessments, FEMA requested additional USACE personnel to monitor contracted debris-removal activities.
“This mission is especially meaningful because it is taking place in my home state of Indiana,” said Ryan Martin, Louisville District technical expert. “Seeing the impacts so close to home makes the work personal.”
Additional Louisville District personnel, including Ryan Weaver, J.D. Tucker and Demarcus McKoy, deployed Sept. 14.
USACE’s role is to provide technical monitoring and documentation rather than perform debris removal. Team members observe contractor operations, record the status of debris collection and removal, and provide FEMA with timely reports to inform recovery decisions.
Louisville District was selected to help staff the mission because it is the impacted district and maintains a Debris Planning and Response Team. The USACE Debris Program Manager identified the initial subject-matter experts and requested additional Louisville District personnel to support the expanded monitoring mission.
Using local personnel also reduces travel costs and brings regional knowledge to the recovery effort, according to Burick.
“Louisville District personnel understand this region, and that local knowledge helps us provide timely, effective support to FEMA and Indiana’s communities,”said Adam Gaskin, USACE disaster response team lead.
USACE is recognized for its expertise in disaster debris management and provides FEMA with technical resources needed to make informed decisions about federal assistance to affected states and communities stated Burick.
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