Ohio Won’t Seek FEMA Aid for Tornado Recovery

As Ohio recovers from the swarm of tornadoes that hit the state on Sept. 16 it won’t be seeking aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

A spokeswoman for Gov. Ted Strickland tells The Columbus Dispatch the administration has determined the damage and number of people not covered by insurance won’t meet FEMA’s threshold for assistance.

The Strickland administration will apply for low-interest loans from the Small Business Administration to help both businesses and individuals with rebuilding costs.

The storms destroyed dozens of homes. No deaths were reported.

The National Weather Service had said final reports showed there were eight tornadoes, but the agency’s office in Pittsburgh has confirmed one more – in eastern Ohio – bringing the total to nine.