State of Emergency Opens Additional Resources for Mercer County Flood Recovery

Governor Mike DeWine has declared a state of emergency for Mercer County and 18 other Ohio counties affected by recent severe weather and flooding.

The declaration allows state agencies to provide personnel, equipment, supplies and other resources requested by local officials during cleanup and recovery efforts. Van Wert County is also included in the declaration.

Mercer County Emergency Management Agency Director Chad Wilrath said the order makes resources from agencies such as the Ohio Department of Transportation and Ohio State Highway Patrol available if additional assistance is needed locally.

Wilrath said Mercer County experienced significant flooding, although some areas of southeastern Ohio faced more severe conditions and required water rescues.

Local officials will begin assessing possible damage after floodwaters recede. Wilrath said county, township and village crews will need to inspect drainage ditches, tiles, bridges and roadways to determine what repairs or recovery work may be necessary.

“It’s kind of hard to get a good view” of the damage while water remains high, Wilrath said.

The county may document its recovery expenses and submit that information to the state. Wilrath said funding could potentially become available if eligible costs reach the required threshold, which is typically around $200,000, but emphasized that financial assistance is not guaranteed.

The declaration does not automatically provide FEMA assistance or individual payments to homeowners, renters or businesses. Federal assistance would require additional damage assessments and further action by state and federal officials.

It also does not mean every part of Mercer County is currently experiencing an emergency. The declaration recognizes that the county was affected by the flooding and gives state government greater flexibility to assist with the continuing response and recovery.

Flooding also affected portions of southern and southwestern Van Wert County, including areas near Wren and Willshire.

The full declaration covers Athens, Clermont, Gallia, Greene, Highland, Jackson, Logan, Meigs, Mercer, Montgomery, Morgan, Muskingum, Perry, Pickaway, Pike, Preble, Ross, Van Wert and Vinton counties.