President Orders Disaster Aid For Ohio Floods

Release Date: July 15, 2003 Release Number: HQ-03-149

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Washington, DC -- The head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that President Bush has ordered federal disaster aid for families and businesses in western Ohio swamped by floods that started earlier this month.

Michael D. Brown, FEMA Director and Under Secretary for Emergency Preparedness and Response at the Department of Homeland Security, said the President authorized the aid following a review of FEMA's analysis of the state's request for federal assistance. The declaration covers damage to private property from severe storms and flooding beginning on July 4.

After the declaration, Brown designated the counties of Auglaize, Darke, Logan, Mercer, Shelby and Van Wert eligible for aid to stricken residents and business owners.

The assistance, to be coordinated by FEMA, can include grants to help pay for temporary housing, home repairs and other serious disaster-related expenses. Low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration also will be available to cover residential and business losses not fully compensated by insurance.

In addition, Brown said cost-shared funding will be available to the state for approved projects that reduce future disaster risks. He indicated that damage surveys are continuing and additional counties and assistance for state and local government agencies may be designated later based on the results of the assessments.

Ron Sherman of FEMA was named by Brown to coordinate the federal relief effort. Sherman said affected residents and business owners in the designated counties can begin the disaster application process by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will be available starting Wednesday, July 16, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.