Ohio EMA Announces Over $850,000 in Reimbursements Under State Disaster Relief Program
(COLUMBUS, Ohio) – Ohio Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Executive Director Sima Merick today announced third round reimbursements of over $850,000 from the State Disaster Relief Program (SDRP) for areas statewide impacted by severe storms last year.
The SDRP is a reimbursement program that can be used in instances where storm damage amounts do not meet the threshold for federal assistance. The program is intended to provide supplemental state assistance to local governments and eligible non-profit organizations for costs associated with debris removal, emergency protective measures, and permanent work.
In November, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine authorized the use of the SDRP to help provide relief to several counties impacted by severe weather in February, May, June, and July of 2022.
The SDRP is authorized for counties whose damages meet a countywide per capita indicator. Governor DeWine's authorization allowing the use of the fund permits the Ohio EMA to request the funding from the Ohio Controlling Board.
“This storm was classified as a derecho with wind speeds estimated at 60 to 70 mph,” said Merick. “The storm stretched across Ohio and was a primary cause for the sustained damage. The State Disaster Relief Program provides assistance to these hard-hit areas.”
The reimbursements include the following government agencies and nonprofits.
Communities in Holmes, Knox, Monroe, Noble, and Wayne counties impacted by the June 2022 derecho wind storm and who qualified for assistance are:
- Berlin Township (Knox) $5,709.14
- Bethel Township (Monroe) $36,302.68
- Chester Township (Wayne) $47,491.82
- Franklin Township (Wayne) $18,980.81
- Plain Township (Wayne) $88,204.65
- Prairie Township (Holmes) $23,639.35
- Saltcreek Township (Holmes) $37,035
- Village of Belle Valley (Noble) $8,359.28
Two utility providers and one solid waste district that were impacted by the June 2022 derecho wind storm qualified for assistance, including:
- Buckeye Rural Electric (Statewide) $93,470.21
- DKMM Solid Waste District (Statewide) $25,181.25
- Washington Electric Cooperative Inc. (Statewide) $449,493.25
In Logan and Meigs counties, the following local government entities impacted by the June 2022 derecho wind storm and qualified for assistance, including:
- Logan County Engineer $19,538.71
- Meigs County Engineer $34,579.36