The Biden administration has rejected a request for federal disaster assistance from Ohio Governor Mike DeWine in the aftermath of the train derailment in the state earlier this month that released toxic chemicals.
Ohio state governor Mike Dewine says that FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency ) keeps reiterating that the state is not eligible for federal assistance because it is not a traditional disaster like a hurricane or tornado for which it usually provides assistance.
FEMA said its team is in constant contact with DeWine's office, but did not comment on the request for federal assistance.
The operator of the derailed train, Norfolk Southern, has offered financial compensation to local residents displaced and has been working with the Environmental Protection Agency and state officials to conduct air safety tests. Health officials have assured the public that the tests have shown that the area is safe, which is contradicted by Palestine residents. A black cloud still hangs over their heads and waterways are polluted.
US Senator Vance visited Palestine on 16 February 2023 and has captured on camera how badly the waterways are polluted. He argues that it is an outright disgrace that claims are made that the area is safe.
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