Governor DeWine appeals denial of presidential disaster declaration
On Friday, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine appealed the federal government's denial of his request for a Presidential Disaster Declaration for eight counties impacted by a series of severe storms, flooding and tornadoes in early April.
The weather events took place on April 1-4, 2024, causing significant damage to critical public infrastructure in Belmont, Monroe, Jefferson, Guernsey, Noble, Washington, Morgan and Meigs counties.
Governor DeWine first requested the declaration in June, citing total damage estimates at $33.8 million, well above the $21.7 million federal threshold for public disaster assistance in Ohio. President Biden, through the Federal Emergency Management Agency, denied the request less than three weeks later.
Friday, Governor DeWine sent a second letter to President Biden with additional information to support the assertion that federal support is needed for these eight rural Appalachian counties.
"I have determined that this incident is of such severity and magnitude that effective response is beyond the capabilities of the State and the affected local governments and that supplementary federal assistance is necessary," wrote Governor DeWine. "The greatest impact is damage to critical infrastructure in low tax revenue areas, making the expensive repairs needed with their own budgets not feasible."
If granted, the Presidential Disaster Declaration would provide grants to state and local governments and certain nonprofit organizations for infrastructure repairs and to address the costs associated with debris operations and emergency protective measures. This also includes the designation of the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program statewide.
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