OHIO — After tornadoes and storms ripped through central Ohio earlier this month, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) conducted damage assessments, and following those the governor is now working to bring state and federal aid to those affected across 11 counties, according to a press release.

The storms and tornados resulted in three deaths and dozens of injuries. The storms also caused significant property damage. In particular, the area of Indian Lake in Logan County was hard hit by an EF-3 tornado.

“After the recent tornadoes in Indian Lake and the surrounding region, I promised that we would do all we can to support those who lost their homes or businesses, or had their homes or businesses severely damaged, to help them on the road to recovery,” Gov. Mike DeWine said in the release. “Today I am initiating several steps for potential relief for Indian Lake and the surrounding communities.”

DeWine will be requesting a FEMA Presidential Disaster Declaration from the White House in order to “allow FEMA aid for eligible damages that have not been reimbursed by other government programs or private insurance.”

The release states that the president has discretion to grant this aid and that it can sometimes be a matter of months.

The governor’s cabinet agencies are working to plan financial relief programs to provide assistance in the interim. This funding, the release notes, would be implemented jointly with the Ohio General Assembly.

Finally, the release states that DeWine is “beginning the process of activating the federal Small Business Administration’s relief programs.” This would allow small businesses and individuals to receive low-interest loans to cover eligible damages.

 “According to federal guidelines, the SBA may begin to set up a local office and prepare for loan applications no sooner than 21 days after Governor DeWine’s FEMA declaration request that was issued today,” the release reads.