Storm recovery: Gov. Dewine requests federal disaster aid
COLUMBUS – Following damage assessment by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in the 11-county area affected by March tornadoes that hit areas including Plymouth, Ohio Gov. Mike Dewine has initiated several federal and state disaster steps.
They could bring financial relief to Ohioans affected by the severe weather incidents, his office said.
“After the recent tornadoes in Indian Lake and the surrounding region, I promised that we would do all we can to support those who lost their homes or businesses, or had their homes or businesses severely damaged, to help them on the road to recovery,” said Governor Dewine said in a statement March 29.
“Today I am initiating several steps for potential relief for Indian Lake and the surrounding communities,” he said of the area in Logan County.
Among the relief mechanisms initiated today are:
– State-level Aid: Governor Dewine has directed his cabinet agencies to develop a plan for
state-level financial relief programs for individuals and businesses that can be implemented jointly with the Ohio General Assembly to get affected
Ohioans assistance while the Biden Administration is evaluating the following requested federal programs.
Governor Dewine has spoken with the Senate president and the Speaker of the House and will work with the General Assembly on pursuing this in the coming days.
– FEMA Disaster Declaration: Governor Dewine is seeking a FEMA Presidential Disaster Declaration under the Stafford Act. If granted by the White House, this will allow FEMA aid for eligible damages that have not been reimbursed by other government programs or private insurance.
FEMA declarations are granted at the discretion of the president and often take several months for a decision to be issued after the governor’s application.
– Small Business Administration (SBA) relief: As part of the FEMA declaration request, Governor Dewine is beginning the process of activating the federal Small Business Administration’s relief programs following a disaster.
The SBA issues low-interest loans to businesses and individuals to cover eligible damages.
According to federal guidelines, the SBA may begin to set up a local office and prepare for loan applications no sooner than 21 days after Governor Dewine’s FEMA declaration request that was issued March 29.
The Plymouth area was hit by the tornado on the night of March 14. No injuries were reported there.