INDIAN LAKE, Ohio — Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine joined lawmakers addressing previous storm damage in the Indian Lake region that occurred nearly three weeks ago.
DeWine placed an emphasis on putting in place an emergency action plan to help expedite the process. He’s looking at the state legislature as a resource to put the plan into action.
What You Need To Know
- The severe storm damage and tornadoes happened nearly three weeks ago in Logan County
- Indian Lake residents are still recovering, and many have faced displacement from their homes
- Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said the goal is to get immediate assistance and a long-term action plan
DeWine requested federal assistance from FEMA last week to help Ohioans who were displaced by storm damage. He said it’s not guaranteed that the request will get approved by the federal government. However, even if the funding is approved, DeWine says it could be a long time before Ohio could expect the funds.
“We have individuals who have lost their homes,” DeWine said. “We have many people who have been displaced, and people who don’t have a place to live.”
The lawmakers at the press conference said they would need about 250 homes for people displaced in Logan County, Ohio. DeWine believes the state legislature needs to help come up with a long-term action plan to get state funding to help with temporary housing, and local businesses that were affected by the storm damage.
“This is going to be a combined effort between the governor’s office, the Senate and the House of Representatives,” DeWine said.
“We’re lucky the states have good financial position and a healthy financial position,” said State Rep. Jon Cross, R-Findlay. “Where I think we can get these dollars executed quickly and be of help.”
DeWine said at the moment, there is not a solid plan to help community members. However, he says he’s expecting within a two-week period Ohio could see some statewide assistance for a community that’s already suffering.
“Every community member, every person, every family and every student at Indian Lake High School is precious to us,” said Joe Antrim, a Logan County Commissioner. “And we certainly don’t want to lose any of these people because they somehow feel like they no longer have a place in Indian Lake or Logan County.”
“This is a place that is loved by people who live here,” DeWine said. “I think it’s imperative that we do everything we can at the state level to be of be of assistance.”