COLUMBUS — Residents in northeast Ohio who have been impacted by flooding following recent severe storms could be eligible for emergency disaster assistance under Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel’s Renew Ohio and Rebuild Ohio programs.
Summit County officials recently declared a state of emergency due to flooding, and communities throughout Cuyahoga County and other parts of the state have been impacted by severe summer storms.
In June 2011, Mandel initiated a $25 million emergency financing program to assist Ohioans whose small businesses, farms and homes were damaged by flooding and severe weather.
Through the Ohio Treasury’s Renew Ohio and Rebuild Ohio linked deposit programs small business owners, farmers and homeowners affected by the floods and severe weather are now eligible to receive emergency financial assistance in their time of need through interest rate reductions on loans.
Due to the continued severe weather this summer, the program has been extended and the deadline for submitting applications has been lifted.
“This summer has seen severe storms in northeast Ohio and throughout the state that have left many residents in need of assistance to rebuild or cover costs associated with damage,” said Mandel. “The Renew Ohio and Rebuild Ohio linked deposit programs offer assistance to those impacted by storms through reduced rate loans to help disaster victims get back on track.”
Assistance
As part of the Renew Ohio and Rebuild Ohio programs, the State Treasury has allocated $25 million which will be made available to Ohioans in all 88 counties who have experienced hardship due to flooding and extreme weather this year.
Renew Ohio will assist small business owners and those in the agricultural community who have suffered severe damage or loss as a result of the 2011 flooding and severe weather. Businesses and farmers can apply to obtain a 3 percent rate reduction on new or existing loans for construction or to improve cash flow. The maximum loan amount per applicant is $400,000 for two years.
Rebuild Ohio will assist homeowners applying for repair or construction loans to finance the restoration of their homes. Homeowners who have suffered severe damage or loss as a result of the 2011 flooding and severe weather will be eligible for a 3 percent rate reduction on a construction loan of up to $400,000 for a one-year period.
Information
For more information on how to apply for the Renew Ohio or Rebuild Ohio programs, contact the Ohio Treasury’s Department of Economic Development by calling 614-466-6546 or toll-free 800-228-1102, option 3; or visit the Renew Ohio and Rebuild Ohio page at www.ohiotreasurer.gov.
