As Logan County recognizes the anniversary of the March 2024 Tornado that wrecked the Indian Lake Region, recovery efforts continue as officials finalize plans for millions of dollars in federal disaster relief funding.
According to county officials, the March 14, 2024, tornado destroyed 233 properties, while 254 homes and buildings suffered major damage, and 417 experienced minor damage.
In total, 279 properties were affected in some way by the storm.
Recovery efforts since the disaster have included assistance from private insurance, federal aid, and nonprofit organizations.
Officials say 193 properties were able to recover through private insurance, FEMA assistance, or support from the Small Business Administration.
The county’s Long-Term Recovery Committee has also played a key role in helping residents rebuild.
The committee reports it has assisted and closed 89 cases, noting that many of the homes involved are currently livable but still require repairs.
In addition, 22 pieces of land have been identified for Habitat for Humanity, which plans to construct new homes for families impacted by the storm.
A major boost to rebuilding efforts comes through the Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Relief (CDBG-DR) program.
Logan County is set to receive $14.3 million through the program.
Initially, Logan County was expected to receive 85 percent of the funding, or about $12.155 million, with neighboring Auglaize County receiving the remaining portion.
However, officials later determined that Auglaize County had no qualified projects, meaning Logan County will receive the entire $14.3 million allocation.
A committee made up of elected officials, representatives from affected villages and townships, and community organizations—including the county commissioners, County Administrator David Henry, the county EMA director, United Way, the Health Department, and the Chamber of Commerce—met to determine how the funding would be distributed.
Originally, the funding was divided into four categories, including $300,000 set aside for demolition, along with allocations for infrastructure improvements and housing projects.
However, according to Logan County Commissioner Greg Fitzpatrick earlier this week, officials have since learned the grant cannot be used for demolition.
As a result, that portion of the funding will be reallocated to one of the remaining three funding categories.
Fitzpatrick also noted that some of the funding can be used to help repair damaged homes, providing additional support for residents still working to rebuild.
Under the current plan, all funds will be distributed through Logan County’s financial system, ensuring oversight and coordination of the recovery projects.
County leaders say they hope the funds will be available to receive and begin spending by July 1, allowing rebuilding projects to move forward this summer.
Local leaders say the funding will play a critical role in the county’s long-term recovery, helping rebuild homes, repair infrastructure, and provide housing options for residents still impacted by the storm.
Officials say the goal is not only to rebuild what was lost, but to strengthen the community as Logan County continues its recovery from one of the most damaging storms in recent history.
