COLUMBUS, Ohio (AVC News) — State Sen. Tim Schaffer is urging President Donald Trump and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide federal disaster assistance to Perry County communities affected by severe storms and flooding in August.
Schaffer, a Republican from Lancaster, sent a letter Tuesday asking Trump to give Gov. Mike DeWine’s request for a major disaster declaration for Ohio “full, fair and urgent consideration.”
Schaffer said much of his Ohio Senate district, including Roseville and Crooksville, suffered widespread damage from the storms and resulting flooding.
“Homes, vehicles and businesses have been ruined and are complete losses in many cases,” Schaffer said.
Schaffer also thanked Trump for what he described as a swift response to the disaster, including sending Small Business Administration and FEMA officials to Perry County following the initial flooding.
He said some residents were forced from their homes by rapidly rising water and escaped with little more than the clothes they were wearing. Some were left without access to their homes, important identification documents or transportation.
Schaffer also praised the Ohio Emergency Management Agency and local officials for their response to the flooding.
“We desperately need your Small Business Administration’s (SBA) and FEMA’s help to get these families back into stable housing and make sure that we are doing all we can to give them the resources they need and hope during the recovery process,” Schaffer said.
DeWine has requested a federal major disaster declaration for Ohio following the August storms, which would make additional federal assistance available to affected communities and residents.
Last Updated on September 9, 2026 by AVC News
