Sen. Brown asks USDA to commit help to tornado-ravaged areas

6/22/2010

U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D., Ohio) has asked the U.S. Department of Agriculture to commit long-term help to local communities ravaged by the June 5 tornadoes.

Monday, Senator Brown sent a letter to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack requesting support for rebuilding public facilities and providing housing assistance over the next several years.

"To fully recover, northwest Ohio requires USDA's Rural Development team to make a commitment to assisting the region's revitalization," Senator Brown wrote.

"The rebuilding of the communities' essential facilities, which is essential to the long-term well-being of local residents, requires a sustained commitment from USDA."

The tornadoes that touched down more than two weeks ago killed six people in Wood County and caused extensive damage to property in Wood, Fulton, Lucas, and Ottawa counties. On June 11, Senator Brown toured the village of Millbury - one of the areas most affected by the violent storm - to inspect the damage and meet with local officials.

Senator Brown also has backed Gov. Ted Strickland's request for federal disaster relief. Governor Strickland made the request June 9, but as of Monday there was no word on whether his plea had been accepted.