Ohio Governor DeWine and U.S. Senators Sherrod Brown and J.D. Vance have jointly urged the Small Business Administration (SBA) to provide a disaster declaration for Logan County, which was severely impacted by tornadoes on March 14, 2024. The senators highlighted the significant damage caused by the tornadoes, which led to the destruction of homes, apartments, and businesses in Central Ohio. As a result, many residents lost their lives and sustained serious injuries.
Despite multiple counties being affected by the tornadoes, Logan County has experienced ongoing economic damage that exceeds the threshold for SBA disaster assistance. This has hindered the recovery efforts for both businesses and homes in the county. In light of this, Brown and Vance have advocated for a FEMA disaster declaration in several other Ohio counties affected by tornadoes, including Auglaize, Crawford, Darke, Delaware, Hancock, Licking, Mercer, Miami, Richland, and Union counties.
The letter requesting a disaster declaration for Logan County can be found on their website. The senators emphasized that providing low-interest loans through SBA would aid in repairing damages caused by tornadoes to qualifying businesses in Logan County. They hope that this action will help restore economic stability to those affected by this natural disaster event promptly.
The senators also highlighted how important it is for small businesses to receive financial assistance during times of crisis as they play a vital role in supporting local communities’ economies.
Brown added that “Logan County has been hit hard by these devastating storms just like many other communities across Ohio.” He emphasized that providing aid to these areas would not only help restore business operations but also keep families safe and secure in their homes.
Vance reiterated his support for disaster declarations in Ohio saying “We must continue to advocate for our communities when they need it most.” He emphasized that “Disaster declarations are critical tools we use to help people recover from natural disasters like tornadoes.”
