Ohio Governor Mike DeWine requested on Monday that President Joe Biden issue a Major Presidential Disaster Declaration for damage resulting from the catastrophic East Palestine train derailment that occurred earlier this year.
This follows two groups of protestors, Unity Council for the East Palestine Train Derailment and River Valley Organizing, pressuring the Ohio Governor to submit a disaster declaration before the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Monday deadline.
According to FEMA, two types of disaster declarations exist under federal law: emergency and major disasters. An emergency declaration would provide “supplement state and local government efforts in providing emergency services, such as the protection of lives, property, public health, and safety, or to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe in any part of the United States” with the total amount of assistance provided to “not exceed $5 million.”
Although Dewine previously asked for assistance from FEMA, he now requests a declaration of emergency from the Biden administration for East Palestine and surrounding areas.
According to DeWine, this declaration is necessary to ensure that all resources are available to help East Palestine with the assistance they need.
“The possibility remains that the voluntary support provided by Norfolk Southern could at some point in the future cease, and this Declaration is needed to ensure that the State and Federal government use all resources available to step in and provide the community with needed assistance,” DeWine said.
DeWine noted that the Ohio Emergency Management Agency has kept in close communication with FEMA on a number of fronts, including the potential provision of assistance through FEMA, ever since the derailment in East Palestine on February 3, 2023.
FEMA has frequently cautioned that because the state has not reported any unmet needs, such aid is unlikely to be provided.
To date, Norfolk Southern has paid out people, state, and municipal governments for expenses related to damage sustained due to the train derailment. There is still worry, though, East Palestine would need FEMA support if Norfolk Southern’s voluntary help ends. Concern continues regarding potential future costs that have not yet been determined.
According to DeWine, the state is still trying to identify the current needs and future impacts the derailment will have on East Palestine.
“Because of the unique nature of this incident the State is still working to identify current needs and evaluate the future impacts this disaster will have on individuals and the community. In addition to the physical and mental health impacts, there have been economic impacts. Homeowners and business have seen property value decline and loss of business as people are hesitant to come into the community,” DeWine said.
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Hannah Poling is a lead reporter at The Ohio Star, The Star News Network, and The Arizona Sun Times. Follow Hannah on Twitter @HannahPoling1. Email tips to [email protected]
Photo “Mike DeWine” by Governor Mike DeWine. Background Photo “East Palestine, Ohio” by 636Buster. CC BY-SA 4.0.
