Ohio Governor requests disaster declaration from President Biden for East Palestine train derailment, 150 days later.

Ohio Governor Requests Major Disaster Declaration for East Palestine

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has made a compelling plea to the Biden administration for a major disaster declaration in East Palestine, 150 days after a devastating train derailment. The governor’s request comes after the Federal Emergency Management Agency denied an extension, leaving the state to assess the long-term needs resulting from the incident.

“The possibility remains that the voluntary support provided by Norfolk Southern could at some point in the future cease, and this Declaration is needed to ensure that the State and Federal government use all resources available to step in and provide the community with needed assistance,” DeWine wrote in a letter to President Joe Biden.

The train derailment, which occurred on February 3, caused significant concern among local residents in East Palestine. According to recently released documents from the National Transportation Safety Board, the freight train derailed after a car’s wheel set fell off. While no fatalities were reported, the incident led to a controlled burn of toxic chemicals, posing health and environmental threats to the community.

DeWine emphasized that the clean-up efforts are ongoing, with residents reporting medical conditions and expressing concerns about the impact on air and water quality. The governor also highlighted the economic consequences, including declining property values and loss of business due to public hesitation in visiting the affected area.

Continued Support Needed

With Norfolk Southern facing litigation and uncertainty surrounding their assistance to the community, Governor DeWine stressed the importance of the major disaster declaration. This declaration would ensure that both state and federal resources are utilized to provide the necessary support to East Palestine.

The governor concluded his letter by stating, “This derailment and the subsequent controlled release were extraordinary events that continue to garner national media coverage. We must address the current needs and evaluate the future impacts on individuals and the East Palestine community.”

As the state awaits a response from President Biden, the people of East Palestine remain hopeful for the assistance they desperately need to recover and rebuild.

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