MEIGS COUNTY — Last week, the President declared Meigs County eligible for the Public Assistance Grant Program.

As a result of this declaration, Ohio Emergency Management Agency (EMA) has scheduled Applicant’s briefings.

The purpose of these briefings is to apply to the Public Assistance Program for the damage caused by the high winds on June 29 and July 2, and get an overview of the process.

Meigs County sustained more the $550,000 in damages. The briefings should take no longer than an hour. Ohio EMA will not be conducting briefings in all declared counties.

Meigs County EMA Director Bob Byer said, “with the declaration, we hope to receive 75 percent of the cost of damage.” Byer said the damage to public property was approximately $550,900.

Briefing will take place at 1 p.m. on Sept. 4 in Gallia County; 10 a.m. on Sept. 5 in Meigs and Jackson counties; 1 p.m. on Sept. 5 in Athens and Hocking counties; 10 a.m. on Sept. 6 in Washington County.

Potential applicants can attend any briefing of their choosing.

The following information should assist you and potential applicants in preparing for the briefing:

Local Host Counties: Meigs County briefings will be held in the courthouse annex basement area. The courthouse annex is located behind the Holzer Clinic at 117 East Memorial Drive in Pomeroy, Ohio.

All local governments, schools and universities and Private Non-Profit Organizations (PNPs) who may have incurred damages and costs associated with the severe storms and high winds from June 29 through July 2, 2012, are invited. Remember if your county is not hosting a briefing, your jurisdictions will need to travel to any briefing of their choosing. Ohio EMA will provide the briefing locations to the Rural Electric Cooperatives but they are welcome at any briefings.

If possible, please have the clerk/treasurer of each political sub-division/PNP present. The Public Assistance Program has very specific funding and audit procedures and it is imperative to have all individuals responsible for these matters on hand. The County Auditor is also invited.

The briefings will address all eligible categories of work (debris removal, emergency protective measures, road systems, water control facilities, buildings/equipment, utilities, and parks and recreation).

If you have any questions, please contact the State’s Public Assistance Office at (614) 799-3665 or the Meigs County Emergency Management Agency at (740) 992-4541.