Ohio Governor Mike DeWine sent a letter to the Small Business Administration (SBA) asking for low-interest loans to businesses impacted by the explosion at the Realty Building on East Federal Street in late May.

The letter noted that Youngstown businesses were surveyed to determine the economic impact of their losses after the explosion through the completion of the demolition of the Reality Building in September. Demolition work severely limited access to the local businesses, including parking and pedestrian walkways. The governor noted that the surveyed businesses have either had to let employees go or reduced employees' hours as a result.

"The building explosion caused significant economic injury to its neighboring downtown businesses," wrote Governor DeWine in a letter sent to the SBA today. "At least five small businesses in the disaster area have suffered substantial economic injury as a result of the disaster and are in need of financial assistance not otherwise available on reasonable terms."

State Senator Al Cutrona released the following statement on this matter.

"The explosion on May 28, 2024, was devastating to many businesses in downtown Youngstown. I appreciate Governor DeWine's leadership and request for assistance for businesses that were significantly impacted. I also urge the U.S. SBA to issue low-interest loans to those businesses."

"Small businesses have been a top priority in the state legislature. It is crucial that they receive the assistance they need in this critical time. The downtowns of our cities and towns are the heartbeat of communities and we must do what we can to keep businesses thriving."

The Realty Building impacted businesses int downtown Youngstown after workers inside the building cut into a pressurized natural gas line leading to an explosion that killed one and injured nine.