Governor Seeks White House Appeal of FEMA Declaration Decision

Press Release

Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today announced he will appeal FEMA's decision to reject Ohio's request for federal disaster assistance for storm-ravaged Northwest Ohio.

"Anyone who takes the time to walk among the wreckage will see not only the sheer physical devastation, but also the indestructible determination of the men, women and especially the children in these Ohio communities. That gives us the greatest hope for the region's recovery. But that recovery requires a full and faithful partnership from our federal partners as well. I have concluded that FEMA's stated basis for rejecting Ohio's emergency declaration request, that the state and local communities have sufficient resources to assist the affected communities, is wrong. Today, I am appealing to President Obama to overturn that decision," Strickland said.

FEMA stated in its rejection letter that "?it has been determined that the damage was not of such severity and magnitude as to be beyond the capabilities of the State, affected local governments and voluntary agencies. Accordingly, we have determined that supplemental Federal assistance is not necessary."

The governor will also send a letter today to the Small Business Administration to request that the SBA immediately begin its process to make loan assistance available to those Ohioans in need.

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