08/19/2026
Anderson Mayor Broderick Provides Update
Regarding Flood Recovery Efforts
Encourages Contributions and Support for Organizations, Businesses and Individuals Working to Provide Flood Relief
Mayor calls on State and Federal authorities to provide needed emergency and long-term relief for Anderson residents
FEMA is expected in City on Wednesday
Anderson Mayor Thomas Broderick, Jr. is encouraging community organizations, businesses and individuals who are working to provide Flood Relief to those who have been victims of the recent flooding in the community. The mayor also provided an update regarding potential federal and state aid, recent activities by local, state and federal officials, and anticipated assistance from volunteers. In his statement the mayor stated:
I am extremely proud of the people of Anderson. Anderson has always been a community of exceptional individuals, businesses, churches and community organizations that work to help those in times of need. The community response to this recent natural disaster continues to shine a bright light on the kindness, generosity, and compassion of our community. I ask everyone in our community, who can do so, to ask yourself, “What can I do to make a difference,” and then take action for the betterment of those who are suffering from this tragic event. We have been informed by our County EMA partners that several volunteers are expected tomorrow to aid in the ongoing cleanup of our neighborhoods.
I want to recognize and praise the recent efforts of community business owners and community advocates, Gary and Darla Sallee, who as part of the annual Gaslight Festival, that is being held this weekend, have incorporated a Flood Aid for Anderson event to be held near the intersection of W. 8th Street and Madison Avenue on Sunday August 23, 2026. This event will continue to bring awareness to the issues facing our neighbors and will help raise funds for disaster relief. The organizers have advised that regional musicians and celebrities will be on hand for this event. While donations will be requested for the relief effort, the event is free to the public. The city as a primary sponsor of the Gaslight Festival is also supporting this effort.
I also want to thank our local Lowes store who have provided, without charge, several buckets of cleaning supplies for those affected by this flood. Lowes will also be going into affected neighborhoods with these free supplies. I have also committed from the city of Anderson a 100% match to Lowes to be able to double the number of supplies for those in need.
I am also proud and thankful of one of our newest company’s F**T USA, a household hose manufacturer who has contributed $5,000 toward the relief effort. The Madison County Community Foundation has agreed to receive these and other donations and to assist in making sure these proceeds are utilized for those affected. The monies raised at the Flood Aid Event will also utilize the local foundation for receipt and distribution of these funds. I am encouraging others in our community to make contributions via the foundation for the purpose of this flood relief. Executive Director of the foundation, Ben Davis has advised on behalf of the foundation that they have agreed to undertake this task without charge, ensuring that all monies raised will get to those in need.
I, along with my designated Flood Response Plan Coordinator David Eicks, Chief of Police Mike Lee, Fire Chief Dave Cravens and our City Engineer Matt House also met with the Madison County Commissioners, and the Madison County Emergency Management & Homeland Security Agency team, along with US Congressperson Victoria Spartz and State Representative Kyle Pierce as part of the post-flood action for our community. The mayor and his staff have also been in communication with US Senators Todd Young and Jim Banks, and their staff.
While President Trump made a Presidential Emergency Declaration on Saturday, that only provided for up to $5 million dollars for Indiana and the 53 Indiana counties affected by the flood. That will not come close to providing the monies needed to help our neighbors who need immediate and long-term assistance. We need President Trump to issue a more impactful Major Disaster Declaration which will free up the potential for many millions more in aid to our communities and those in need. Governor Braun has indicated he has requested the president for that additional declaration and Representative Spartz has advised me she is making that request, as well. We have also asked Senators Young and Banks to ask the president for this declaration.
We have been advised by our county Emergency Agency that FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) representatives will be in Anderson Wednesday to view the neighborhoods and areas damaged by the flood. Chief Mike Lee will es**rt the representatives to the areas earlier surveyed by the City of Anderson Response Team.
Even if the president makes a Major Disaster Declaration there are other potential obstacles to overcome to receive direct financial assistance through FEMA. The agency is working with a reduced staff, reduced federal funding, and restrictions on flood claims. I have spoken to representative Spartz about the regulatory issues, and she agrees that there needs to be an effort to work with FEMA and the federal administration to make significant financial aid a reality that is also made available in a timely fashion.
As has been earlier publicized, Governor Braun has advised that affected residents may be able to recover from the State of Indiana up to $5,000 in emergency aid. He has advised that those affected who wish to seek these funds should call 211 to report your needs and to make an application. This can also be submitted online through the in.gov Indiana Department of Homeland Security website that is administering the Indiana State Disaster Fund. The Governor made this announcement on Monday, and the information was circulated by various news media and online. He reports this is for food, clothing and other basics for those displaced from their homes. He has requested individuals take pictures, videos and provide any other documentation or information about work already done at their residence.
I also would report that on Monday and Tuesday the city sent 6 teams comprised of police, fire and building commissioner personnel into the affected areas and in less than a 21-hour period visited and inspected 600 residences for damages. The initial damage assessments, along with photographs and other information gathered by in person contacts, was compiled and will be submitted to FEMA.
The city has also placed 65 dumpsters throughout the affected areas to assist residents in clearing of the damaged items from their property, without cost to the residents. The city has also placed dumpsters at the parking lot near 25th Street and MLKJr BLVD and in the parking lot on Columbus Avenue immediately north of the Dollar General. Any resident of Anderson may use these two areas without charge. Bestway Disposal has already emptied most of these dumpsters once and beginning at 6:00 AM Wednesday additional unloading will occur. A map showing the location of all dumpsters may be found on the City of Anderson website at cityofanderson.com.
The city has teams from the Anderson Street Department that will be removing debris along the roadway that has not been placed in the dumpsters.
Pursuant to my earlier Executive Orders issued, the City of Anderson Transit System (CATS) is continuing to transport passengers by both bus and Nifty-Lift without charge, assisting those whose vehicles were damaged in the flood. Additionally, permit fees for permits from the Municipal Development Department are currently being waived. The city has also suspended the disconnecting of utilities (electric and water) for non-payment in the areas affected by the Flood. The city has also waived any reconnect fees for the affected properties.
