Gov. Strickland asks federal government to expand aid for 7 Ohio counties declared disaster areas in Aug.

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Ohio Governor Ted Strickland (D-Lisbon)

COLUMBUS (AP) — Gov. Ted Strickland asked the federal government Thursday to expand aid to seven Ohio counties declared major disaster areas because of flooding last month.

If approved, state and local government agencies could apply for grant money to cover the costs of debris removal and shelter operations, and to repair or replace damaged roads, bridges, dams and other public infrastructure, the Ohio Department of Public Safety said in statement.

Strickland’s request covers Allen, Crawford, Hancock, Hardin, Putnam, Richland and Wyandot counties.

Preliminary assessments show $26.7 million worth of damage to public facilities and property in the seven counties, including $11.7 million in Hancock County and $8.3 million in Putnam County, the department said.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency would provide 75 percent of eligible expenses, with state and local governments paying for the rest, the department said.

President Bush has already declared those counties, as well as Seneca County, disaster areas, allowing residents to apply for federal grants to cover temporary housing and home repair costs.

Seneca County was not included in Thursday’s request to FEMA because it did not have severe damage to its public infrastructure, said Thomas Hunter, a spokesman for the public safety department.