Sen. Brown, Portman Announce President Trump Has Signed Disaster Declaration That Will Bring Relief to Ohio Communities After Devastating Floods

WASHINGTON, April 17 -- The office of Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, issued the following news release:

U.S. Sens. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Rob Portman (R-OH) today announced that the Trump administration has signed a disaster declaration that will bring significant relief to Ohio communities affected by devastating floods last month.

"This disaster declaration will go a long way in helping reassure Ohio communities impacted by last month's devastating floods that they are not alone. This designation will get desperately needed resources to these 18 counties so that they can recover and get back on their feet. Now the Administration must move quickly to get these resources to counties in need," Brown said.

"I am glad the president made this much needed declaration," said Portman. "It will allow our affected communities to get much-needed federal assistance following this winter's terrible storms."

In late March, Brown and Portman wrote a letter to the President urging him to act swiftly to approve Governor John Kasich's request for a Presidential Disaster Declaration for Ohio counties impacted by the severe flooding.

* The counties that will receive funding include Adams, Athens, Belmont, Brown, Columbiana, Gallia, Hamilton, Jackson, Lawrence, Meigs, Monroe, Muskingum, Noble, Perry, Pike, Scioto, Vinton, and Washington Counties.

* This declaration will allow the impacted counties to access important federal assistance and resources to recover, including, debris removal and repairs to damaged roads, bridges and other county infrastructure.

Full text of their March 28, 2018 letter appears below and is available HERE (https://www.brown.senate.gov/download/disaster-declaration-letter).

Dear Mr. President:

We write to urge you to act swiftly on the request by Ohio Governor John Kasich for a Presidential Disaster Declaration for 19 counties in Ohio.

Severe storms and extreme rainfall last month in southern Ohio led to significant flooding, causing substantial damage to critical infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and buildings. The State and local governments in the affected areas do not have the capability to sufficiently respond to this major disaster, and therefore, federal assistance is necessary to supplement the State's recovery efforts.

We fully support Governor Kasich's request and urge your prompt consideration. Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.

Thank you,

Senator Sherrod Brown

Senator Rob Portman