ZANESVILLE – One of the next steps for the flood-ravaged areas in Morgan, Muskingum and Perry counties could involve a request for a federal disaster declaration, according to a recent email from the office of U.S. Rep. Troy Balderson (Ohio’s 12th Congressional District) Aug. 18.
Damage assessments through the local and state emergency management agencies have been active locally for about a week, and they’re estimated to be completed Aug. 28, according to Balderson. After that, Governor Mike DeWine is expected to formally request a federal disaster declaration, he added.
“The damage information collected now is therefore extremely important. It will help demonstrate the severity of the flooding and determine what types of federal assistance may become available,” Balderson said.
An assessment is meant to understand the extent of the disaster, its impact on residents and public facilities and the type of federal assistance that might be needed, according to the FEMA website. That information will be included in DeWine’s request to “show that the disaster is of such severity and magnitude that effective response is beyond the capabilities of the state and the affected local governments,” FEMA says.
Disaster declarations are then made at the U.S. president’s discretion, FEMA notes.
If approved, greater assistance would become available for Crooksville, Roseville, Corning, New Lexington, Rose Farm, and all the communities in between as they continue their recoveries. If that becomes the case, more information will then be provided on eligibility, assistance availability and navigating FEMA’s applications, Balderson said.
Potential relief through a major disaster declaration could include assistance to individuals and households, like unemployment assistance, case management, disaster legal services, crisis counseling and help with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
There’s also public assistance to local governments or nonprofits for emergency work and repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities, the FEMA explains. It could cover debris removal, emergency protective measures, damaged infrastructure and buildings or utility facilities and equipment.
“In the wake of the devastating flooding in Perry, Muskingum, and Morgan counties, my priority is making sure residents, families, and businesses have the information and resources they need to recover,” Balderson said in his email. “I have been on the ground throughout the rescue, cleanup, and recovery efforts and remain in constant communication with local officials, the Ohio National Guard, the Governor’s Office, emergency management agencies, first responders, and those coordinating the response.”
In the meantime, Balderson also made several recommendations for those affected by the heavy rainfall and flooding on Aug. 11 and 16, as the federal disaster declaration process remains underway. The information helps local and state officials establish the flood’s magnitude and the need for additional assistance.
The Perry County EMA can be reached at 740-342-1141. Muskingum County’s can be contacted at 740-453-1655 and Morgan County’s at 740-962-3900. Balderson’s office can be reached at 614-523-2555.
This article originally appeared on Zanesville Times Recorder: Federal disaster declaration request expected from Gov. DeWine. What’s next?
Reporting by Shawn Digity, Zanesville Times Recorder / Zanesville Times Recorder
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Shawn Digity, Zanesville Times Recorder | USA TODAY Network
