EAST PALESTINE, Ohio — Gov. Mike DeWine announced Friday that the state is awarding East Palestine $150,000 to help purchase new emergency response equipment. 

What You Need To Know

  • The announcement comes nine months after the Norfolk Southern fiery train derailment in February, when rail cars carrying hazardous materials went off the tracks

  • The $150,000 from the Governor's Office of Appalachia will represent more than 65% of the required local match, in order to limit the amount of local funding necessary to cover the difference

  • The money will help replace the village's existing trucks, which are more than 20 years old, and will cover a drone that will be given to the fire department

The announcement comes nine months after the Norfolk Southern fiery train derailment in February, when rail cars carrying hazardous materials went off the tracks. 

Prior to this funding, the village also receive grant funding for help partially cover the costs of two eight-ton dump trucks, a one-ton utility bed truck, and a drone, according to DeWine's office. 

The $150,000 from the Governor's Office of Appalachia will represent more than 65% of the required local match, in order to limit the amount of local funding necessary to cover the difference.

“This funding is another example of our administration’s continued commitment to the East Palestine community,” said DeWine. “This investment will significantly reduce East Palestine's share of expenses associated with this new equipment."

The money will help replace the village's existing trucks, which are more than 20 years old. The drone will go to the East Palestine Fire Department, which had to borrow equipment to get overhead views of the derailment. 

“The tragedy of last February’s derailment highlighted the urgent need for enhanced preparedness measures,” said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development. “While we hope that nothing like this ever happens in any of our communities again, the residents of East Palestine can have some peace of mind knowing the village is better equipped to assess and respond in emergency situations.” 

DeWine also announced that next week, the state will announced the first round of 0% interest, forgivable loans that will be awarded as part of the East Palestine Emergency Support Program. The loans will go toward local businesses to help assist with expenses and recovery efforts since the derailment. Business can still apply online.