(COLUMBUS, Ohio) – Ohio Emergency Management Agency Executive Director Sima Merick today announced second round reimbursements of over $3.4 million 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 Emergency Management Agency to request the funding from the Ohio Controlling Board.
“Tornadoes, severe storms, and flooding can cause property damage, injury, and even death,” said Merick. “Preparedness and mitigation are key to being ready to weather the storm.”
The reimbursements include the following government agencies and nonprofits.
One Muskingum County community impacted by flooding in May 2022 qualified for assistance:
Salem Township $32,961.14
One government entity each in Guernsey, Jackson, Monroe, and Logan counties, two Holmes County government entities, and three utility providers impacted by the June 2022 derecho windstorm qualified for assistance, including:
Consolidated Electric (Statewide) $342,888.99
Guernsey Muskingum Cooperative (Statewide) $192,212.08
Holmes-Wayne Electric (Statewide) $2,318,040.44
Guernsey County Engineer (Guernsey) $6,463.12
City of Bellefontaine (Logan) $21,962.88
Holmes County Engineer (Holmes) $140,290.04
Washington Township (Holmes) $3,783.61
Jackson County Engineer (Jackson) $47,264.99
Monroe County Engineer (Monroe) $35,488.87
In Clermont County, the following local government entities impacted by tornadoes and severe weather in July 2022 qualified for assistance, including:
Adams-Clermont Joint Solid Waste Management District (SWMD) $164,131.28
Clermont County Engineer $87,372.39
Clermont County Sheriff $3,004.16
Clermont County Board of Commissioners $17,035.00