Governor Corbett Requests Federal Disaster Aid for Five Counties

HARRISBURG, Pa., June 22, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Tom Corbett today asked the Obama administration to provide federal disaster aid that will help governments and certain non-profit organizations in Bradford, Lycoming, Sullivan, Tioga and Wyoming counties recover from a devastating storm that moved through the region in April.

Corbett said federal assistance is necessary because the magnitude of the damage is beyond the response capabilities of the state and local governments.

If approved, state government and local governments, as well as certain non-profit organizations in these counties, could apply for federal aid to pay 75 percent of the approved cost of debris removal, emergency services related to the disaster and repairing or replacing damaged public facilities, such as roads, buildings and utilities.

A preliminary damage assessment was conducted prior to submitting the request for federal disaster relief. The storm's estimated costs are expected to grow as assessments continue and repairs and restorations begin. 

The state's Emergency Operations Center in Harrisburg was activated to coordinate response to support the areas affected by the storms. The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency continues to work with the counties, state, federal and local agencies and non-governmental entities involved in this disaster.

More information on disaster assistance in Pennsylvania is available at www.pema.state.pa.us; click on "Disaster Assistance and Updates" in the left-hand column.

The state's ReadyPA campaign encourages citizens to take three basic steps before an emergency occurs: Be Informed, Be Prepared, Be Involved. Learn more online at www.ReadyPA.org or by calling 1-888-9-READY-PA.

Media contacts:  

Kevin Harley, Governor's Office; 717-783-1116

Maria A. Finn, PEMA; 717-651-2009

Editor's Note: Text of the Governor's request letter is available upon request.

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor