COLUMBUS, Ohio - Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has officially announced that the state has requested FEMA to offer its Public Assistance program to five counties impacted by the severe storms during the last week of May. 

"Local governments in five counties and the State of Ohio have spent millions responding to the Memorial Day storms and have suffered millions more in damages," said Governor DeWine. "This request, if granted by FEMA, will help them recoup some of those expenses."

If FEMA approves the request local governments, state agencies, and certain private, non-profit organizations in Columbiana, Greene, Mahoning, Mercer, and Montgomery counties would be eligible for federal funds for eligible storm-related damage. 

The Executive Director of Ohio's Emergency Management Agency, Sima Merick, wrote that a preliminary damage assessment completed last week shows about $18.1 million in eligible costs, of which two-thirds, or about $12 million, is for debris removal.

Governor DeWine declared a state of emergency for three of these counties on May 28 after 21 tornadoes hit Ohio. 

DeWine's Presidential Disaster Declaration request was approved by President Trump on June 18. 

Mahoning County EMA Director Dennis O'Hara announced Wednesday that FEMA personnel will begin meeting with residents that sustained damage from the May 28 flooding on Friday.

Residents that sustained damage can sign up here or by calling 1-800-621-3362.

The deadline to apply is August 19.