CINCINNATI — Cincinnati officials have announced possible additional relief for local homeowners and small businesses recovering from last week's flash flooding.
City council is set to vote next week on an additional $1 million in relief after Mayor Aftab Pureval previously proposed $1 million in relief Friday.
Pureval said in a statement that the money will provide "short-term assistance" while the city continues to pursue additional state and federal disaster aid. City officials said they are developing a distribution plan, which is expected to be completed next week.
"I am beyond appreciative for our local public servants, in City Hall and at every level of government, as well as every partner who has stepped up this past week to lift up their neighbors," Pureval said.
WATCH: Cincinnati officials to vote on more relief for flood damage victims
Vice Mayor Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney said Cincinnati City Council will vote on an additional $1 million.
The flash flooding, caused by heavy rain on July 17, swept through Cincinnati and prompted dozens of emergency rescues across the region. In response, Pureval declared a state of emergency for the city as flood warnings remained in effect for parts of Hamilton, Clermont and Warren counties. The Cincinnati Fire Department later confirmed one person died and several others were injured during the storm.
WATCH: Mayor Aftab Pureval discussed solutions to the flooding with WCPO 9 anchor Tanya O'Rourke
RELATED: Assistant Fire Chief: 1 killed, 2 injured in flooding incident in Fairfax
Kearney says the city council will likely vote on relief funds during its Aug. 5 meeting and that there is a chance for more money to be approved later.
“We might need more," Kearney said. "But the thing is, as the complaints, as the claims are finalized, we just want to make sure we’re ready for it.”
Kearney said the city will also continue to look into updating what she called an outdated sewer system. She said money from the sale of the city's railway could make it more feasible to fix other infrastructure, like the sewer system.
“We can make those repairs and those changes that we need, it’s going to take time though," Kearney said.
Residents along Observatory Avenue in Hyde Park say the failure of a nearby sewer main caused flooding, resulting in thousands of dollars in damage.
“We just got a bill, thousands of dollars, just for the mitigation," said one of the residents Renee Bajorek. While she believes it's a step in the right direction, she also isn't sure it's enough money to aid everyone impacted by the flooding. "We haven’t even gotten to the reconstruction part yet,” she said.
Bajorek is more concerned about making sure the problem doesn't happen again.
"We need the funding, but it’s a band-aid to the real problem, which is what’s going on in the infrastructure," she said.
City officials said relief funds will be coordinated through the Metropolitan Sewer District’s Sewer Backup Program. Rather than requiring a separate application, the city plans to use reports already submitted to MSD and proactively contact eligible homeowners and businesses. Pureval said the goal is to reduce bureaucracy and deliver financial assistance as quickly as possible.
Officials are urging anyone who experienced flooding or a sewer backup to document damage, file insurance claims and report the incident to MSD’s Sewer Backup Program by calling 513-352-4900 or submitting a report through the district’s website.
The city said those reports will help identify residents and businesses in need while supporting damage assessments for potential state and federal disaster assistance.
Click here to learn about the city's flood relief fund.
