Ohio Controlling Board OKs $1.2M for East Palestine Program

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The state Controlling Board has approved $1.2 million for the East Palestine Emergency Support program.

The program assists businesses in the village that were impacted by the Feb. 3, 2023, Norfolk Southern train derailment.

“This is a critical investment by the state of Ohio,” state Sen. Al Cutrona, R-33rd, said Monday in announcing the approval of the funds. “These dollars are instrumental in rebuilding the East Palestine business community and continuing the state’s commitment to be there for the long haul.” 

The East Palestine Emergency Support Program is designed to provide loans to assist impacted businesses with ongoing expenses, working capital needs and recovery efforts associated with the train derailment. 

The loans are 0% interest and range from $10,000 to $1 million. The loans are forgivable if used for payroll, employee benefits, rent or mortgage payments, utility expenses, worker protection or inventory replacement expenses related to the derailment.

To be eligible, businesses must be located in Ohio within a 2-mile radius of East Palestine. To date, loans have been issued to 23 businesses in the village, totaling $3.77 million. 

For more information and to apply, click HERE.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.