FEMA: Counties take advantage of flood grants

LISBON -- Some $13 million in flood disaster grants have been approved for Ohio, with about $1.7 million of that going to Columbiana, Mahoning and Trumbull counties, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Some 4,538 grants have been approved statewide for housing repair and other needs, with 888 of them going to the tri-county area since President Bush made his disaster declaration Sept. 19, FEMA said.
By county, the number and total value of grants as of the close of business Thursday was:
UColumbiana County, 347, $870,673.
UMahoning, 262, $312,598.
UTrumbull, 279, $521,796.
The U.S. Small Business Administration is operating a loan assistance center from 1 to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday until further notice, including Columbus Day, at the Columbiana County Career Center, 9364 state Route 45, Lisbon.
So far, SBA has approved $80,100 in low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters and businesses statewide. Applicants for help should call toll-free (800) 621-FEMA.