Ohio County Continues With State Help

In response to Ohio Gov. Bob Taft’s request for flood damage assessments in Columbiana County, representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and the Ohio Emergency Management Agency have been on site to determine the scope of recent severe flooding damage.

“Once the damage assessments are completed, we will have a better idea which assistance programs will be available for families and local governments in Columbiana County,” said Taft. “State and local officials have been working closely with FEMA and the SBA to ensure a full and accurate assessment of the damage.”

Taft encouraged Columbiana County residents to report their flood damage to the Columbiana County EMA at (330) 424-7767. These reports will help provide an accurate assessment and scope of damage. The assessments help officials determine thresholds for possible use of State disaster assistance programs, low-interest U.S. Small Business Administration loans or other federal disaster assistance.

Gov. Taft declared a state of emergency on Aug. 28 allowing state resources to assist local flood fighting efforts following continued days of rainfall that caused widespread county flooding. Ohio EMA continues coordinating state of Ohio response and recovery activities from the State of Ohio Emergency Operations Center.