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Strickland Asks U.S. to Declare Columbiana County Disaster Area
WASHINGTON -- U.S. Rep. Ted Strickland, D-6th Ohio, today asked President Bush to declare Columbiana and Athens counties federal disaster areas. Recent storms have damaged homes and businesses in both counties, caused an estimated $5.5 million in damage in Columbiana County alone, he wrote Bush. "Families and businesses across Ohio and in my district have been devastated by these storms," Strickland wrote. "With a federal disaster declaration, resources will become available to help begin rebuilding these communities." Should a federal emergency be declared, the affected communities may be eligible for FEMA public assistance programs that help communities repair infrastructure. In some circumstances, some may be eligible for Individual Assistance programs that give aid to people whose lives and homes are affected. In addition, once a federal emergency is declared, the Small Business Administration may extend low-interest loans to eligible individuals and businesses so they can repair or replace damaged property and personal belongings not covered by insurance. "Mr. President," Strickland wrote, "I urge you to expeditiously declare a federal emergency for these counties in Ohio and make available full disaster assistance. These counties are struggling to deal with this natural disaster while still providing critical county services to residents." Excerpts of his letter follow: June 1, 2004 Dear Mr. President:I am writing to you today after visiting and speaking with many of my constituents and elected officials in the Sixth Congressional District who have suffered severe flood damage during recent storms in Ohio. In Columbiana County alone, damage is estimated at well over $5.5 million with assessments still being made on personal dwellings. Columbiana Village and East Palestine have both reported extensive damage to water and sewer plants and tributaries. Mr. President, I urge you to expeditiously declare a federal emergency for these counties in Ohio and make available full disaster assistance. These counties are struggling to deal with this natural disaster while still providing critical county services to residents. "