Perry County is stepping up its flood preparedness with $150,000 in new emergency management grants announced on September 18. The funds, finalized by county commissioners earlier in the week and scheduled for disbursement starting September 22, will be directed to the Tell City Fire Department and the Cannelton Volunteer Fire Department.

The grants are designed to confront one of the county's most persistent threats: Ohio River flooding. In 2024, high waters displaced 200 residents and left behind an estimated $2 million in damages. County officials confirmed that the new money will fund ten additional river gauges for improved monitoring and upgrades to outdoor warning sirens in high-risk communities such as Derby and Leopold.

The timeline of events shows careful planning. On September 15, commissioners approved the allocations during a public meeting. The following day, the Emergency Management Agency (EMA) director notified the recipient departments. By September 17, a press release was circulated to local media, and on September 18 the announcement appeared on the county website and regional news outlets. Funds began transferring on September 19, enabling immediate purchases of sensors and equipment. Over the weekend of September 20–21, departments reported the initial setup of new flood-monitoring devices.

For a county of roughly 19,000 residents with an annual budget of $18 million, the $150,000 represents a targeted investment without requiring higher taxes. According to EMA projections, the upgrades could improve emergency response times by as much as 15 percent. Volunteer fire departments, which handle around 80 percent of calls in rural townships, stand to benefit most from the added resources.

The economic impact extends beyond emergency response. Stronger early-warning systems are expected to reduce future losses for farms, riverfront businesses, and households in vulnerable areas. Officials noted that the measures will help safeguard local infrastructure, much of which has been strained by age and repeated weather events.

At present, the county has not disclosed the exact allocation each department will receive. That information, officials said, can be requested through the county clerk. What is clear is that both departments will have the resources to begin equipment upgrades this fall.

The Perry County government has also announced a demonstration of the new systems, scheduled for September 25 at the EMA office on Payne Street in Tell City. Until then, the focus remains on implementation and ensuring that residents see visible improvements in safety and preparedness.

With memories of last year's floods still fresh, county leaders view the grants as a proactive step toward resilience. The upgrades are intended not only to warn of rising water but to strengthen confidence that Perry County is better prepared the next time the Ohio River threatens to overflow its banks.