Commissioners extend local disaster declaration

Travel ban along White River lifted, but caution is encouraged

The Hamilton County Board of Commissioners has extended the county’s local disaster declaration for another seven days as flood recovery efforts continue, remaining in effect through Thursday, Sept. 3.

At the same time, Commissioners have lifted the travel warning prohibiting recreational travel on the White River, effective immediately. The ban was initially issued Aug. 18 due to dangerous conditions created by flooding, contamination, debris, and changes to the river’s flow.

Recent inspections and testing indicate conditions have improved significantly. Water sampling by the Hamilton County Health Department found the White River has returned to pre-flood sanitation levels. The river’s course has also been corrected so it no longer flows into the Martin Marietta quarry in Carmel. The Indiana Department of Environmental Management has determined the river is navigable, while the Indiana Department of Natural Resources found no immediate threat to the public that would prevent recreational activity.

Altman

“This is an important sign of progress, but it does not mean our recovery is over,” said Christine Altman, President of the Hamilton County Commissioners. “We are comfortable lifting the travel ban based on the testing and inspections that have been completed, but we still need people to use good judgment on the river. Debris and other hazards may remain in some areas. At the same time, families and neighborhoods across Hamilton County are still recovering from tremendous damage, which is why extending the disaster declaration remains necessary.”

The extended disaster declaration allows Hamilton County Emergency Management and other county departments to continue coordinating response and recovery efforts, requesting assistance, and pursuing potential reimbursement from state and federal agencies. The declaration notes that flooding impacts remain throughout the county, including significant infrastructure damage.