Knox County Emergency Management is seeking disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency following recent severe winter weather.

Local officials emphasize the request does not include Individual Assistance. That means the assistance being sought is not for financial or housing aid for residents, and there is no application process for individuals under this request to federal officials.

Instead, Knox County Emergency Management is requesting FEMA Public Assistance only. That program applies to local governments, not individuals, and is designed to help reimburse eligible emergency response and recovery costs.

Public Assistance can cover expenses incurred by Knox County departments, both cities, and all seven incorporated towns. Eligible costs include snow and ice removal operations, emergency protective measures, overtime, equipment, materials, contracted services, and damage to publicly owned facilities and infrastructure.

To be included in Indiana’s request for a federal disaster declaration, Knox County must document at least one hundred seventy-six thousand, three hundred thirty dollars in eligible costs.

Emergency Management officials say they have contacted all county departments, cities, and towns to ensure eligible expenses are tracked and reported as coordination continues with the state and FEMA.