This in via e-mail from Governor Ted Strickland:

Governor Statement on FEMA’s Refusal to Assist Victims of NW Ohio Tornadoes

Columbus, Ohio–Late this evening, the Federal Emergency Management Agency informed Ohio Governor Ted Strickland that the agency denied Ohio’s appeal for individual and public assistance for Fulton, Ottawa and Wood counties.

Governor Strickland declared a state of emergency for these three counties in Northwest Ohio after tornadoes swept through the region on June 5 and 6, causing extensive damage to homes, businesses and infrastructure, and resulting in the deaths of six people.

Statement by Governor Strickland:

“I am deeply disappointed and frustrated that FEMA has again rejected Ohio’s request for federal support for the victims of last month’s tornadoes and severe storms in Northwest Ohio. The rationale given for denying our request, that the magnitude of devastation wasn’t severe enough for federal assistance because recovery could be handled by state and local governments and volunteer organizations, is, quite frankly, unconscionable. The need in these communities could not be greater, and state and local resources are already stretched too thin,” Strickland said.

Those who have suffered from the storm in Northwest Ohio will do what Ohioans do best work hard and work together to rebuild their communities. The State will continue to assist as a partner with the region. We will be working closely with local leaders to determine how best to allocate approximately $673,000 that we identified for disaster relief and emergency aid to help those most in need.