MOUNT VERNON — Knox County is poised to receive funds from the State of Ohio’s Disaster Relief Program after June’s devastating storm that left thousands of people without power and decimated parks.
Last week, the state announced it would be giving money to counties affected by the summer storms, including Knox County. Any governmental entity or non-profit may apply and receive reimbursement for storm aid.
Funding is based on actual eligible expenses, Public Affairs Chief of Ohio EMA Sandy Mackey said, adding there isn’t a maximum or minimum of funds available for a county to receive.
On when Knox County can expect to see storm relief funds, Mackey said it’ll depend on when the agency receives actual cost documentation to review, so it could be weeks or months.
Deputy Director of Knox County EMA James DeChant said he’s thankful for the state’s relief aid, noting “at least there’s something available.”
Knox County Parks District Director Lori Totman, said her office will “definitely be applying (for disaster relief) to help offset costs” in the most “consequential storm” the district has witnessed since its inception.
“The park district has been here since 1955 and we’ve had parks for a very long time, never experienced this type of tree damage in the parks,” Totman said.
For example, the “Heart of Ohio” experienced severe tree damage, Totman said, but was cleared thanks to several volunteers and three weeks were spent in Wolf Run Trail, clearing fallen branches and uprooted trees.
“About $15,000 was spent on local tree company contractors,” she said.
