Under the new estimates, public property damage in Tipp City is estimated at $1,132,761. The original estimate was $18.1 million.
The change was due primarily to less damage than initially feared to the city electric system and related materials. Christy Butera, city utilities director, said preliminary testing of power transformers stored at the flooded city electric building showed positive results indicating they were not destroyed.
The estimated loss to private property in Tipp City was listed at $4 million and $4.3 million in other areas of the county including Covington, Monroe Twp. and Concord Twp.
The commissioners on Tuesday also approved an emergency declaration that could mean additional money for public works damaged by a May 21 rainstorm, but would not include help for individuals.
Possible assistance for individuals and businesses affected by the storm and flooding could be available through low interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration, which late last week declared Clark County a disaster area. The declaration allows residents and businesses in neighboring counties, including Miami, to apply for the loans.
Artz said the declaration “basically means all entities of the county don’t have to make independent (emergency) declarations.”
Commissioner Jack Evans asked Artz to confirm the SBA money is low interest loans, not grant money that is not repaid. Artz said that was correct.
In Clark County, The storm caused severe flooding at the Laynecrest Manor apartment complex, homes and businesses and displaced more than 100 area residents, including children, in Bethel, German and Mad River townships.
A Disaster Loan Outreach Center to answer questions and help people complete applications is open at the Bethel Township Fire Department, Clark County, 3333 Lake Road, Medway.
The center will be open through June 19, with the exception of Sunday, June 15. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 14.
Artz said Miami County residents could visit the Clark County center. Applications also are taken online at http://diasterloan.sba.gov.ela. Information and loan applications also are available by calling SBA Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 or emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.
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