Robb Blasdel Announces $5 Million for East Palestine Emergency Support Program

State Rep. Monica Robb Blasdel (R-Columbiana County) announces the State Controlling Board approved the transfer of $5 million to be used for the East Palestine Emergency Support Program. The program will provide loans to assist impacted businesses with ongoing expenses, working capital needs, and recovery efforts associated with the train derailment.

“Our people of East Palestine deserve to be made whole regarding the destructive derailment that impacted that entire community,” Robb Blasdel said. “For our businesses and employees who work so hard for the town and residents, this will allow them to receive loans for any damages related to the accident. Hopefully this is one way we can help East Palestine and our businesses move forward.”

The loan amounts can range from $10,000 to $1,000,000 per business and will have a zero percent interest rate. Additionally, the loan amount may not exceed the business 2022 gross revenue.

Eligible businesses are located in Ohio within a 2-mile radius of East Palestine, Ohio (measured from the center of the Village), for-profit entity, or non-profit established and located within the approved area prior to February 3, 2023, and operational on or prior to December 1, 2022. The businesses must also be in good standing with the Ohio Secretary of State, the Ohio Department of Taxation, and any other governmental entity charged with regulating the business and must be in active operations.

These loans may be eligible for forgiveness if the funds are used for payroll, employee benefits, rent or mortgage payments, utility expenses, worker protection gear related to the train derailment, and inventory replacement expenses.

The State Controlling Board approved the measure on Monday.