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COLUMBUS, Ohio-- For the second time, The Federal Emergency Management Agency has denied assistance for victims hit by deadly tornadoes back in June.
Late Friday, FEMA informed Ohio Governor Ted Strickland that the agency denied the state's appeal for individual and public assistance for Fulton, Ottawa and Wood counties.
Governor Strickland declared a state of emergency for these three counties in Northwest Ohio after tornadoes swept through the region in early June, killing six people. The twister also caused massive damage to homes and businesses.
The Governor released the following statement regarding FEMA's decision: "I am deeply disappointed and frustrated that FEMA has again rejected Ohio's request for federal support for the victims of last month's tornadoes and severe storms in Northwest Ohio. The rationale given for denying our request, that the magnitude of devastation wasn't severe enough for federal assistance because recovery could be handled by state and local governments and volunteer organizations, is, quite frankly, unconscionable. The need in these communities could not be greater, and state and local resources are already stretched too thin," Strickland said.
Strickland went on to say that, "Those who have suffered from the storm in Northwest Ohio will do what Ohioans do best work hard and work together to rebuild their communities. The State will continue to assist as a partner with the region. We will be working closely with local leaders to determine how best to allocate approximately $673,000 that we identified for disaster relief and emergency aid to help those most in need."
The damage has been estimated at roughly $200 million dollars - including $50-million to one school alone.
Approval would have allowed local government and residents in the area southeast of Toledo to seek federal disaster aid.
Late Friday, FEMA informed Ohio Governor Ted Strickland that the agency denied the state's appeal for individual and public assistance for Fulton, Ottawa and Wood counties.
Governor Strickland declared a state of emergency for these three counties in Northwest Ohio after tornadoes swept through the region in early June, killing six people. The twister also caused massive damage to homes and businesses.
The Governor released the following statement regarding FEMA's decision: "I am deeply disappointed and frustrated that FEMA has again rejected Ohio's request for federal support for the victims of last month's tornadoes and severe storms in Northwest Ohio. The rationale given for denying our request, that the magnitude of devastation wasn't severe enough for federal assistance because recovery could be handled by state and local governments and volunteer organizations, is, quite frankly, unconscionable. The need in these communities could not be greater, and state and local resources are already stretched too thin," Strickland said.
Strickland went on to say that, "Those who have suffered from the storm in Northwest Ohio will do what Ohioans do best work hard and work together to rebuild their communities. The State will continue to assist as a partner with the region. We will be working closely with local leaders to determine how best to allocate approximately $673,000 that we identified for disaster relief and emergency aid to help those most in need."
The damage has been estimated at roughly $200 million dollars - including $50-million to one school alone.
Approval would have allowed local government and residents in the area southeast of Toledo to seek federal disaster aid.
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