Federal officials expect to begin surveying flood damage in Scioto and Lawrence counties today, following a governor’s request for assistance.

Thursday, May 31, 2001

Federal officials expect to begin surveying flood damage in Scioto and Lawrence counties today, following a governor’s request for assistance.

Gov. Bob Taft on Wednesday asked the federal Small business Administration to declare the two counties disaster areas, and extend low-interest loans to businesses and homeowners who suffered water damage during recent heavy rains.

Both counties declared disasters last week.

Emergency management agencies have conducted damage assessments indicating:

– 30 mobile homes were destroyed in Scioto County.

– 11 single family homes suffered major damage, while 35 homes and two rental units suffered minor damage in Scioto County.

– 26 homes suffered major damage or were destroyed in Lawrence County.

The SBA told the governor’s office that survey crews were expected in southern Ohio today, Taft’s office said in a news release.

The federal agency may extend assistance if it determines there is substantial damage to at least 25 homes or businesses in a county, the release stated. If granted, low-interest loans (typically 4 percent) would also be made available to adjacent counties.

"We are trying to do all that we can to help flood victims in southern Ohio," Taft said. "The low-interest loans provided by the Small Business Administration would help the people of Scioto and Lawrence counties to recover and rebuild."