Ohio Valley Politics

This has been a pretty lousy winter down here in Southeastern Ohio. There hasn’t been a lot of snow, but we’ve more than made up for it in rain. An, of course. with lots of rain comes flooding. While we’ve managed to dodge the bullet several times on the big one (an Ohio River flood) the smaller creeks and streams have flooded several times.

Now, in the face of even more flooding, Rep. Zack Space is calling on Governor Strickland to declare a state of emergency so that relief efforts can officially begin.
I’ve included the press release after the break, as it contains information of use to Space’s constituents who’ve been effected.

SPACE PUSHES FOR DISASTER ASSISTANCE

- Calls on Governor Strickland, Army Corps of Engineers, and FEMA to Provide Assistance to Areas of the District Impacted by Recent Flooding -

- Residents May Call Local Army Corps for Information: 330-343-3613 or 866-502-2570 -

WASHINGTON, DC – Deeply concerned by the extend of recent flooding in Eastern and Southern Ohio, Congressman Zack Space (OH-18) today called upon Governor Ted Strickland, urging him to take swift action by declaring impacted counties disaster areas. Space’s office has also been in touch with the Army Corps of Engineers and FEMA pushing for this designation, which would bring emergency assistance and funding to help recovery efforts.

“There is little doubt in my mind that we need disaster assistance, but that is unfortunately not my call to make,” Space said. “I am strongly encouraging Governor Strickland to take the steps necessary to get disaster assistance to these affected areas.”

“We all remember how vital disaster assistance was in the wake of the devastating 2005 floods. With entire communities being cut off by floodwaters, serious questions about the local infrastructure, and homes flooding we need all the help we can get,” Space continued.

Congressman Space and his staff have contacted local, state, and federal authorities in an attempt to facilitate the disaster designation process. A request from the Governor is necessary for FEMA to initiate action.

In 2005, FEMA authorized $9.9 million in individual disaster assistance.

For additional information, residents can call Muskingum Area Office Army Corps of Engineers at 330-343-3613 or 866-502-2570 for those outside the Muskingum watershed area.