COLUMBUS, OH — Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik on May 15th, announced financial support for three businesses in East Palestine impacted by the 2023 Norfolk Southern train derailment. 

Through the East Palestine Emergency Support Program, 23 businesses have received support totaling more than $3.8 million.

“My administration is dedicated to supporting the people and businesses of East Palestine for as long as they need us, through these grants and otherwise," said Governor DeWine. 

New businesses receiving Emergency Support Program loans are:

• Doss Petroleum, Inc., a Marathon gas station and convenience store offering food and fuel services to the community. The company is receiving a loan of $69,500. 
• Brushville Supply, LLC, a retail hardware store specializing in selling and repairing tools and machinery for the local community. The company is receiving a $187,500 loan. 
• Ianazone's Pizza by the Coulter's, a restaurant offering a mix of services including dine-in, delivery, and catering to the local East Palestine community. The company is receiving a loan of $34,306.25.

“We are committed to supporting the people and businesses of East Palestine throughout the community’s recovery. Through the East Palestine Emergency Support Program, we are ensuring these businesses will thrive and continue to serve their neighbors,” said Director Mihalik.

The Ohio Department of Development launched the East Palestine Emergency Support Program in August 2023 and issued the first loans in December. A second set of loans was awarded in February. Additional funds are still available.  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 prior to 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. Eligible businesses can apply through the online application available at development.ohio.gov/EastPalestine.  

The loan program was created in partnership with the Ohio General Assembly with funds from the Controlling Board Emergency Purposes/Contingencies Fund.