The Monroe County Emergency Management Agency is still assessing how much damage there is in the county from the tornado. (Clayton Baumgarth)
The Monroe County Emergency Management Agency is still assessing damage from the tornado that hit Bloomington Friday night.
Justin Baker, deputy director for the agency, said 84 homes in the county suffered damage from the tornado. It’s still unclear how long it will take to clean up and rebuild everything. Baker is working with various local agencies on cleaning up debris and providing donations for those in need. Residents can also take storm-damaged trees and vegetation debris to the Monroe County Emergency Management Site located at 7740 N. Fish Road.
“That will go on until it gets done,” he said. “So it could be weeks, months, just depends.”
Read more: Tornado debris drop off begins, where to get assistance
While it’s still too early to tell, Baker said it’s unlikely funds will come from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which is facing potential cuts. The county will probably get funding from the Small Business Administration instead, but still doesn’t know how much money will be needed.
“They are more strict on what disaster declarations they get out,” Baker said. “Today, we got a signed local disaster declaration that may turn into a state declaration, and into a process to get into the federal (system) like FEMA. But they are getting more strict on money, funds, but that's still unknown at this time.”
Baker said FEMA last provided funding to residents in Bloomington after another tornado hit the area on March 31.
To prepare for future severe storms, Baker said he is working to provide updated information more quickly and form more partnerships with local organizations to help with recovery. He is also working to improve siren infrastructure; 14 sirens have been replaced in the last year.
More information on damage assessment and funding will be available in the coming weeks.
Read more tornado coverage:
Local woman killed in tornado, son in hospital
Habitat for Humanity continues operations despite warehouse loss
Residents, PALS recovering from tornado damage
Expert weighs in on future of tornadoes in Bloomington
Monroe County Emergency Management Agency assessing damage, unlikely to get FEMA funding
Clear Creek Post Office closed indefinitely after tornado damage
Indiana woman among dozens reported killed in U.S. storms
Storm kills dozens in Midwest, South; several hurt by Indiana tornadoes
