State Disaster Relief Funding Approved for Tuscarawas County After Winter Storm Fern
NEW PHILADELPHIA (WJER) (April 20, 2026) — Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has approved State Disaster Relief Program funding for Tuscarawas County and 10 other counties impacted by Winter Storm Fern earlier this year.
The storm system brought near-record snowfall to much of the state between Jan. 24 and Jan. 27, causing widespread damage and straining local resources.
Tuscarawas County Emergency Management Agency Director Jennifer James said the state program is designed to help communities that do not meet federal disaster thresholds but still face significant recovery costs.
Once countywide damages reach approximately $450,000, reimbursements become available through the program.
James said a second round of detailed damage assessments is now underway, accounting for expenses such as snow removal and the extended use of county road crews. The relief program covers 75 percent of eligible expenses, with the remaining 25 percent requiring a local match.
In addition, Tuscarawas County has submitted damage assessments from a March wind storm that caused an estimated $700,000 in public damage. That storm toppled trees and caused roof and siding damage to several buildings across the county.
County officials continue to work with the state as assessments are finalized and reimbursement requests move forward.