Senator Sherrod Brown and others have called for Governor Mike DeWine to ask the President for a "disaster declaration," which could open up East Palestine to additional federal assistance.

DeWine's office says this situation doesn't yet qualify. But that doesn't mean there isn't more help on the way. 

Just this morning, Gov. Mike DeWine, along with Senator Sherrod Brown, asked the President to send in the CDC's emergency response team, along with the Department of Health and Human Services. They'll be used to help provide health screenings for anyone who needs them, likely in the form of a community health clinic.

During Thursdays press conference in East Palestine, a spokesperson for the governor said they are continuing to work on a long-term remediation plan.

Gov. DeWine's office says he won't hesitate to take President Biden up on his offer to provide any federal assistance he can offer. But that doesn't mean he plans to ask for East Palestine to be declared a disaster.

According to FEMA guidelines, that would only help with lost property that isn't being paid for by someone else and right now, the state wants Norfolk Southern to pay up.

"We're encouraging Norfolk Southern to begin to cut checks relatively small $1000, $2,000 checks that will be able to [get] these people back in their homes and to live," Sen. Brown said. 

The railway company has provided some aid to the community, but Dan Tierney, a DeWine spokesperson, says if that ever changes, they won't hesitate to pursue legal action against the company.