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$19 Million for Disaster Assistance in Ohio -- and Still Counting
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- More than $19.7 million in state and federal assistance has been approved for victims of Ohio's spring flooding, officials reported today.In the six weeks since a federal disaster declaration was issued for 23 Ohio counties -- including Mahoning and Columbiana counties -- 33,762 people have registered for assistance by calling the Federal Emergency Management Administration's toll-free number 1-800-621-3362. "There may still be people in the designated counties who are eligible for FEMA's Individual Assistance Program but have not applied," said Dale W. Shipley, state coordinating officer for the disaster recovery and executive director of Ohio Emergency Management Agency. "If you had damage, call your insurance agent and then call FEMA if you need to start the assistance process."At the close of business Thursday, 9,434 housing assistance grants totaling $11,851,281 had been approved. Another 6,935 grants totaling $4,496,288 have been approved to meet other serious disaster-related needs, officials said.In addition, the U.S. Small Business Administration has approved 259 low-interest disaster loans totaling $3,366,100. FEMA has completed 31,734 inspections of homes where flood and storm damage was reported, Shipley reported.Residents of the 23 counties have until Aug. 2 to register for aid. Eligible counties are Athens, Carroll, Columbiana, Crawford, Cuyahoga, Delaware, Geauga, Guernsey, Harrison, Hocking, Holmes, Licking, Logan, Lorain, Mahoning, Medina, Noble, Perry, Portage, Richland, Stark, Summit and Tuscarawas. The disaster declaration covers storm and flooding damage incurred between May 18 and June 21. The SBA has issued 15,198 loan applications to homeowners, renters and business owners. Officials urge applicants to complete their applications as soon as possible, even if they have not received a final settlement from their insurance company. If the application is not returned it will delay or prevent receiving other forms of disaster assistance. "