NORTHEAST OHIO TO RECEIVE $1.7 MILLION FOR BLACKOUT COSTS
COLUMBUS (December 19, 2003) - Governor Bob Taft today announced that government and non-profit agencies in 13 northern Ohio counties, including the City of Cleveland, will receive more than $1.7 million as reimbursement for costs incurred during the August blackout. Administered through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), this financial assistance is a result of President George Bush's declaration of emergency in thirteen Ohio counties in September and October.
"I commend the strong spirit of cooperation among the federal, state and local governments in response to this time of crisis," said Taft. "I'm pleased that President Bush has recognized the significant economic impact caused by the blackout, and thank him for supporting Ohioans who experienced losses in August."
The City of Cleveland qualified to receive $703,377 for emergency protective measures involving airport, police, fire, emergency medical, and public power services. Costs covered include overtime labor, equipment, and contractual services.
Government entities or qualified non-profit organizations who reported eligible costs in Ashland, Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Erie, Geauga, Huron, Knox, Lake, Lorain, Lucas, Portage, Summit and Trumbull counties also will receive reimbursement for emergency protective measures such as overtime costs, rental equipment, security, and the removal of health and safety hazards.
Under President George W. Bush's Emergency Declaration through FEMA, local and state government entities and qualified non-profit organizations in the 13 counties can be reimbursed for emergency protective measures, up to 75 percent of their cost. The Ohio Emergency Management Agency administers these reimbursements and adds the state share of 12.5 percent. The remainder of the costs or 12.5 percent is paid by the eligible applicant.
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Contact: Rob Glenn, Ohio EMA, at (614) 799-3695; or
Orest Holubec, Governor's Office, at (614) 644-0957.