Congressman praises resilience of Northwest Indiana following storms, power outages

Congressman Frank J. Mrvan, D-Highland, told his colleagues in the U.S. House Thursday about the resilience of the Calumet Region following the Aug. 11 storms that toppled trees and knocked out power to more than 300,000 Northwest Indiana households.

In a brief address to the House, the three-term federal lawmaker detailed the devastation the derecho wreaked on communities large and small located throughout Lake, Porter and LaPorte counties.

But Mrvan also emphasized how Region residents, local businesses and elected officials at all levels of government came together to take care of each other and get the lights back on.

"I can tell you that our community responded with the character that Northwest Indiana is known for. Our first responders and local elected leaders went above and beyond, and worked around the clock to help their neighbors," Mrvan said.

"Volunteers from our churches, union linemen and women, National Guard members and countless volunteers showed up when we needed them most."

Mrvan said he's particularly grateful to U.S. Sen. Jim Banks, R-Ind., who helped make sure "Washington heard the urgency of our crisis" and "allowed us to get the resources we need" through the major disaster declaration issued Aug. 26 by Republican President Donald Trump.

"The grit and resilience of Northwest Indiana in those weeks showed who we are," Mrvan said.

At the same time, Mrvan emphasized that following the storm Northwest Indiana residents rightfully want to know more about utility preparedness and infrastructure investment.

"Our Region deserves answers, and we will do everything in our power to protect Northwest Indiana and (ensure) that it will it never go through this again," Mrvan said.

Federal financial assistance is available to Northwest Indiana residents for disaster costs not covered by insurance, including money to meet emergency housing needs, property repairs and replacement of personal property.

In limited circumstances, federal funds also will pay for child care, medical, lodging, moving, and funeral expenses that are directly related to the disaster.

The deadline to apply for individual assistance is Oct. 25. Hoosiers can apply online at disasterassistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362.