Gary homeowners still struggling with fallen trees and heavy debris from the Aug. 11 derecho can now apply for city-funded removal help at City Hall.

The city's Private Property Debris Removal program, or PPDR, sends licensed contractors onto private land to cut and haul storm-damaged trees and limbs that residents cannot move on their own. Applications are being accepted in person at Gary City Hall through Friday, Nov. 6, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays.

The program targets homeowners who lack the physical ability or financial means to clear hazardous debris from their yards and roofs, according to the city.

Two types of help are available. Contractors will cut and move heavy yard debris to the curb for collection. A separate track covers emergency tree removal from homes, roof inspections and installation of heavy-duty weather tarps.

Applicants must bring proof of homeownership, a recent utility bill and a homeowner's insurance policy with a claim denial letter, if available. Funding is limited, and the city said applications will be prioritized as they are processed.

Residents with questions can call 219-257-1119 or email [email protected].

Broader cleanup effort

Gary's Board of Works approved a contract with AshBritt and Thompson Consulting on Oct. 7 to expand debris collection onto private properties, the Chicago Crusader reported. The city had already hired those firms, along with EGIS Engineering Consulting, to handle curbside pickup using federal funding.

Corrie Sharp, Gary's director of zoning, told the Crusader the PPDR program includes cutting trees down to stumps and removing hanging or leaning limbs that pose a hazard. The work covers occupied private properties, vacant city-maintained lots and abandoned buildings.

"To date, we have hauled out 306,000 cubic yards of debris. So we're expanding this program to include 400,000 cubic yards," Sharp said, according to the Crusader.

Sharp said curbside crews had completed two passes through the city and planned a final pass over the following two weeks. All debris is taken to a site on Melton Road, where it is mulched.

Gary's broader storm recovery effort includes several funding sources. The city and the Legacy Foundation established a $500,000 emergency assistance fund using donations to the Greater Gary Storm Recovery Fund, providing direct financial assistance to eligible households affected by the Aug. 11 derecho.

The city's separate Private Property Debris Removal program expands cleanup efforts onto eligible private properties. FEMA is expected to reimburse 75% of the debris-removal program's costs, with Indiana covering most of the remaining share, according to previous reporting. Those reimbursements have not been confirmed as final payments.

Indiana's State Disaster Relief Fund also provides assistance to eligible residents and local governments following disasters, although the available information does not establish that the fund is directly financing Gary's debris-removal program.

Storm's toll

The Aug. 11 derecho brought extreme straight-line winds and at least two tornadoes across northwest Indiana, according to the Indiana Department of Homeland Security. Mayor Eddie Melton declared a local disaster emergency, and a federal major disaster declaration followed on Aug. 25.

The PPDR application window at City Hall runs through Nov. 6.