The East Palestine Emergency Support Program will provide 0% interest forgivable loans to businesses to assist with ongoing expenses and recovery efforts associated with the derailment.
Ohio Governor, Mike DeWine along with Lt. Governor, John Husted, Ohio Senator, Michael Rulli and Representative, Monica Robb-Blasdel have announced on Monday a new emergency support program to assist businesses in East Palestine impacted by February’s train derailment.
The East Palestine Emergency Support Program will provide 0% interest forgivable loans to businesses to assist with ongoing expenses and recovery efforts associated with the derailment.
Both for-profit and non-profit Ohio businesses located within a two-mile radius of East Palestine that were operational before December of 2022 are eligible to apply for loans ranging between $10,000 and $1 million.
Governor DeWine says this is yet another way to build on the commitment made four months ago to support the East Palestine community.
“This program is essential for long-term recovery, giving the businesses impacted by this tragedy more support to recover and thrive,” DeWine said.
The program was created in partnership with the Ohio General Assembly with funds from the Controlling Board Emergency Purposes/Contingencies Fund. The Board approved the availability of the funding on Monday.
$5 million in loans will be available in total. Funds will be eligible for forgiveness if used for payroll, employee benefits, rent or mortgage payments, utility expenses, worker protection gear related to the derailment and inventory replacement expenses related to the derailment.