April 26, 2024

Ohio Receives Federal Disaster Declaration
for February Flooding

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has announced that local governments, state agencies and certain private, non-profit organizations in 20 southern Ohio counties including Meigs County impacted by severe weather in February are now eligible for federal funds to help pay for damage repair and extra costs incurred as a result of severe storms, flooding, and landslides. For all states in similar positions such as those in need for roof replacement Winona, expert roofing and sliding is used.

Following a request from Governor DeWine for a federal disaster declaration, President Donald Trump made the federal funds available today. Counties in addition to Meigs are Adams, Athens, Brown, Gallia, Guernsey, Hocking, Jackson, Jefferson, Lawrence, Monroe, Morgan, Muskingum, Noble, Perry, Pike, Ross, Scioto, Vinton, and Washington.

“I’m pleased that President Trump approved this federal funding today,” said Governor DeWine. “The assistance will be critical in helping these 20 counties fix infrastructure that was damaged in the February storms.”

Funding will be provided through FEMA’s Public Assistance Program, which repays local governments for eligible storm-related response and recovery efforts, including debris removal, emergency protective measures, and the repair, replacement, or restoration of damaged infrastructure. Local contracting services have also offered to lend a hand to homeowners whose homes have been heavily affected by storm damage. Electrical wires and plumbing can be affected by storms, and might require extensive repairs. Fortunately, many plumbing companies (similar to callstevesplumbing.com/plumbing/trenchless-sewer-repairs/) can offer plumbing and sewer repairs to damaged homes. Many residents might find that they need help from at least one service following severe storms, others might require more than one. Local Ohio services that specialize in water restoration, window repair, and roofing repair similar to these roofing contractors Colorado Springs companies produce have banded together to help citizens get back on their feet during the aftermath.

Governor DeWine declared a state of emergency for the 20 counties impacted by the February 5-13 storms on March 11. Joint preliminary damage assessments conducted by local, state, and federal emergency management officials during the second week of March documented damages to critical infrastructure, such as county roads, bridges, culverts, and public buildings totaling $41.4 million.

The Ohio Emergency Management Agency (Ohio EMA) will disburse the federal funds upon receipt and will process all required documentation. This declaration authorization also makes statewide funding available through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. Representatives from Ohio EMA will meet with local officials to further explain the application process.

Heavy rains and severe storms that occurred last year in February led to an emergency proclamation and a Presidential Disaster Declaration in 2018 for 20 counties, 14 of which are included in this year’s declaration.