Ohio train derailment: Lawmakers ask FEMA why state can’t get assistance
Misty Severi
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All 17 members of Ohio’s congressional delegation wrote a joint letter to the Federal Emergency Management Agency on Thursday, requesting the reason their state was denied federal assistance following a train derailment earlier this month.
The delegation, led by Rep. Bill Johnson (R-OH), asked for the explanation after Gov. Mike DeWine claimed the state had reached out to FEMA but was told it did not qualify for federal assistance at the time.
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“It is our understanding that Governor DeWine’s Administration has been in communication with your agency about the need for federal support to assist with the cleanup of the Norfolk Southern train derailment and subsequent chemical fire that occurred in East Palestine, Ohio on February 3,” the letter said.
https://twitter.com/RepBillJohnson/status/1626365981500092416
“Despite the severity of the wreckage, chemical release, and the disruption to the lives of local residents, we have just been informed that Ohio apparently does not meet the eligibility for FEMA assistance at this time,” the letter continued. “We respectfully request that you provide a detailed response as to why the residents of this community do not qualify for assistance from your agency.”
The derailment triggered evacuations from the town and surrounding community when the 140-car train went off the tracks after catching fire. Twenty of the cars were carrying toxic chemicals such as vinyl chloride.
DeWine said he was told that part of the reason they were denied assistance is because the railroad company, Norfolk Southern, had agreed to pay for part of the expenses, and because there was a lack of physical damage to residential buildings, according to Newsweek. DeWine added that he has reached out to the White House and other federal agencies for assistance instead.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
“FEMA is in constant contact with the emergency operations center in East Palestine and with the Ohio Emergency Management Agency,” a FEMA spokesperson told Fox News. “We are closely coordinating with the Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Health and Human Services, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, who are helping to test water and air quality, and to conduct public health assessments.”