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"Congressmen Seek Disaster Declaration for Mahoning, Portage"
"WASHINGTON -- U.S. Reps. Tim Ryan of Niles and Ted Strickland of Lisbon sent a letter Wednesday to President Bush asking that a federal disaster declaration be issued for Mahoning and Portage counties. Storms in the month of May damaged homes and businesses in both counties. A federal disaster declaration has already been made for several counties in Ohio, including Columbiana and Stark counties. The letter to Bush cites both congressmen's support of Gov. Bob Taft's request for the addition of the two counties to the disaster declaration. "The people of our area need this help. The rains and wind devastated homes and businesses, and federal assistance is needed now. For those who've had to endure the wreckage of these storms, this help cannot come soon enough," said Ryan, D 17th. If a federal emergency is declared, affected communities may be eligible for Federal Emergency Management Agency public assistance programs which help communities repair infrastructure, and in certain circumstances some may be eligible for individual assistance programs which give aid to people whose lives and homes are affected. "Families and businesses across Ohio have been devastated by these storms," said Strickland, D-6th. "With a federal disaster declaration, vital resources will become available to help begin rebuilding these communities." In addition, if a federal emergency declaration is made, the Small Business Administration may offer low interest loans to eligible individuals and businesses to repair or replace damaged property and personal belongings not covered by insurance. "