30-03-2025
Emergency support program still open for businesses impacted by train derailment
EAST PALESTINE, Ohio (WKBN) — Businesses impacted by the East Palestine Train Derailment over two years ago can still apply for loans through state funding.
The East Palestine Emergency Support Program was created to provide loans to businesses impacted by the February 2023 train derailment. Loans can be used to assist with ongoing expenses and recovery efforts. In total, $5 million was made available through the program.
For-profit and non-profit businesses located within a two-mile radius of East Palestine that were operational on or before Dec. 1, 2022, are eligible to apply. The loans are 0% interest and range from $10,000 to $1 million. The loans are forgivable if utilized for payroll, employee benefits, rent or mortgage payments, utility expenses, worker protection, or inventory replacement expenses related to the train derailment.
As of last May, 26 businesses have received support totaling more than $4 million through the program.
Eligible businesses can apply through the online application.
Jon Rudder contributed to this report.
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